For two-plus seasons as Orlando's head coach, Doc Rivers predominantly has refused to publicly criticize his Magic players. But a slow start to this season apparently has changed his thinking as Rivers has had some harsh words of late for Horace Grant and Mike Miller.

Rivers has been unhappy with Grant's rebounding and interior defense, while he repeatedly has criticized Miller's progress defensively. Grant entered Thursday's game averaging just six rebounds in 27 minutes a game. The 36-year-old forward, who was signed as a free agent along with Patrick Ewing to shore up the Magic's frontline, has had six or fewer rebounds in 11 of the 14 games he's played in.

"We need him to play better defense, rebound and make some shots," Rivers said. "He can do it and we know that he will. But it's getting late in the season to still be waiting. I don't know what it is-- maybe it's that new-team thing. But even if you're on a new team you still can rebound and play defense without knowing the offense."

Miller's offensive play has been stellar of late, but his defense has been suspect. He has allowed lightly regarded players such as Bobby Jackson, Jon Barry and Dana Barros to hit key shots late in games against him.

"Right now he has a big X on his back and every team is attacking him," Rivers said. "They don't seem to care who he's guarding, they go right at him. They feel they can beat him off the dribble and get to the basket.

"Is he ever gonna stop Allen Iverson? No, I'm not asking him to be somebody he's not. But he can be a much more physical defender."