76ers' Brand: Rivers 'can help us unlock our full potential'

The Philadelphia 76ers officially announced Doc Rivers as their head coach Saturday, and general manager Elton Brand welcomed the 58-year-old by outlining lofty expectations for the new bench boss.

"I believe Doc can help us unlock our full potential on the floor and further our pursuit of an NBA championship," Brand said in a statement. "I also respect and appreciate that his impact extends far beyond the basketball court as he truly embraces the platform he has to drive positive change in society.

"Doc is a great fit for our team and city, and I'm excited for what the future holds with him as our head coach."

Rivers parted ways with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday but wasn't a free agent for long. He reportedly met with the 76ers on Wednesday and both sides supposedly agreed on a five-year deal one day later.

Philadelphia also presents a personal connection for Rivers. The one-time Coach of the Year and former NBA champion's first name is actually Glenn but he's gone by Doc thanks to late college coaching icon Rick Majerus. Majerus gave Rivers the nickname after the latter wore a T-shirt featuring 76ers legend "Dr. J" Julius Erving to a Marquette summer camp.

Rivers says he's enthusiastic about taking over the team's coaching duties.

"I am really excited about the opportunity to be joining a world-class franchise, a franchise whose legend inspired my nickname," he said. "This is a city that loves sports and loves their teams. It's a city that values hard work and that is exactly what we are going to do and who we are going to be. We are ready to do good things in Philadelphia."