All indications are that Clippers coach Doc Rivers has reached an agreement with owner Steve Ballmer on a multi-year extension, reports Bill Plaschke of The Los Angeles Times. Nothing has been made official, but Plaschke speculates the news means Rivers is willing to be part of a rebuilding effort in L.A.
There had been rumors that Rivers, who has one year remaining on his current contract, may not want to stay with the organization after it traded Chris Paul and Blake Griffin in the past year and faces the possible loss of DeAndre Jordan in free agency.
Rivers and the Clippers declined to comment on the report, but Plaschke notes that both sides have been complimentary in their recent statements.
“I love where the organization is at right now,” Rivers said in an interview this week, while Ballmer stated that Rivers did an “amazing” job this season with an injury-depleted roster.
Plaschke notes that Rivers is a valuable asset for the franchise as it tries to accelerate its rebuilding process by attracting a top-level free agent like Paul George or LeBron James, who are both rumored to have a desire to play in Los Angeles. The Clippers, who will likely have two lottery picks, have also been mentioned as a possible destination if the Spurs decide to trade Kawhi Leonard.
“This season gave me life, it really did,” Rivers said. “This year’s group was great to coach, an extraordinary group, and it tells you that you can bring in the right guys and build the right culture and we can get this done.”
Well Jerry does have draft picks he can move in a trade for an all-star to entice Lebron if he wants to come over. Plus Lebron did say he wanted to play with Jordan so it’s possible he might come over to the Clippers.
Yes I think you’re right. Keeping Doc Rivers instead of hiring a newbie with no experience or the more expensive big name coach means Jerry West is going to try and win next year. Perhaps one of the big names can be enticed to come to the other side of Staples? Paul George LeBron James Kawhi Leonard??
I don’t think the Spurs,Cavs, and OKC want draft pick for Lebron,Kawhi, or Leonard. Sign and trades could be made but can’t see any of those dudes in Clipper uniforms. What I could see happen is maybe the Clippers trading up to get a Michael Porter Jr.
I honestly can’t wait to see Lakers fans’ heads explode if Paul George and/or Lebron sign with the Clippers instead of them. They have taken George coming as a given for well over a year now. I would have to stock up on popcorn to read those comments.
I can’t see Lebron and George in Clipper uniforms, I’m not even a Laker fan it just doesn’t ring for me.
Clippers have been better than the Lakers for the past decade. There isn’t anybody from the Lakers winning days still involved with the organization, so they aren’t going to convince people they have the secret to success. We all love magic, but he’s unproven. Leonard as a clipper isn’t far fetched at all. Same with George. “Play for hometeam, or play for LA”, neither one means the Lakers.
LBJ calls jerry west: godfather. He won’t be part of the Ball circus. Probably stays in Cleveland when owner gives him a stake and first right of refusal when he sells.
That ship has sailed. LeBron is done in Cleveland. He came back won a ring, his conscience is clear from leaving the first time. On to greener pastures.
Pacers should get Rozier. He’s a dog….plays hoosier style hoops.
Rozier would be ideal but he’s under Boston’s control for another two seasons. What can they offer Boston?
Leaf and a first?
That may have worked with Adam in the Garden of Eden but it’s not going to work with the Celtics.
Leaf and a first is not enough. With Smart being an FA, Boston is not dealing Rozier unless it’s part of a package for a star.
Leaf? TJ Leaf?
Gotta be a smokescreen. Doc hasn’t taken the Clips any further than VDN and has lost the two main staples. New coach new system installed Clips right the ship. The Doc and son combination doesn’t resident with players on the team id imagine.
I think a new coach new system takes too long. Jerry’s 80 years old and wants to win next year. Doc is respected even though we all know he can’t coach, he is respected around the league as a player’s coach. Doc stays the system stays, two new free agents and a trade and the Clippers are back in business.
The Clips have things that could interest both Kawhi (Jordan, LA) AND Popovich (Tobias, Harrell, Beverly, LouW and two middling firsts). But who knows what Kawhi really wants.
I meant to add West and Rivers, a famous black coach, to Jordan and the hometown, that would attract Kawhi. I predict if Kawhi forces an exit, the coach will be his race, though Jerry West is an asset in the FO.
Why does this have something to do with race?
Doc was bad in Boston and he’s bad in LA. Fascinating that they keep him.
Yes true he is horrible. But he’s respected around the league as a player’s coach. For some reason they love him.
In 20 years as a head coach and a blessed with great rosters he has one ring….. and that handed to him by Kevin McHale in Minnesota.
LBJ Sorry Ass is staying in the Land Jerry West gonna try & build them like he did through Draft in GS|Dj will be trades mid season if he opts In