National Basketball Association

Rivers cancer-free after a biopsy

Published Oct. 20, 2010 10:14 a.m. ET

foxsports

Tuesday October 19, 2010

n The coach misses practice Monday, but returns on Tuesday night and will coach tonight.BOSTON (AP) -- Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said that he is cancer-free after having a biopsy Sunday morning. His doctor found a spot on his throat three weeks ago and he decided to have it checked.

"They found cancerous lesions," Rivers said after the team conducted an open practice for season ticket holders. "They had to make sure there was nothing there, and there was nothing, so I m good. I m going to be around for a while it looks like."

Rivers said that he has his throat checked every year after prompting from former Celtics coach Jim O Brien.

"I think most coaches should because we yell, use our throat a lot," Rivers said. "That makes you more susceptible to it. I m glad I did it now."

The Celtics had said that Rivers had a "minor throat procedure" done to relieve pressure on his vocal chords. He was not at practice Monday, but returned to the team Tuesday night. Assistant coach Lawrence Frank did most of the on-court coaching while Rivers watched from the sidelines.

"I like Lawrence as my megaphone," Rivers joked.

Rivers is expected to coach the team tonight when the Celtics play the Nets in their final preseason game at the Garden.