Four years ago, Doc Rivers had left the Celtics to become the coach of the Clippers. When Brad Stevens was hired as the new coach of the Celtics, Rivers called Stevens to congratulate him, and then ask him for a favor.
This wasn’t about X’s and O’s, though. It didn’t have anything to do with the team, the players or even basketball.
Toward the end of his run with the Celts, Rivers had become involved with Action for Boston Community Development, a nonprofit that serves to provide services and programs for low-income individuals. In 2011, with Rivers, the organization launched Hoop Dreams, an annual basketball event that raises money and spirits as teams donate to play basketball at TD Garden.