Doc Rivers discusses the Clippers’ roster, attachment to winning

May 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers looks for a call against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Rockets won 124 to 103. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Doc Rivers has a lot of pressure on his shoulders to get the Los Angeles Clippers in better shape to compete next season. After blowing a 3-1 series lead to the Houston Rockets in the second round, the Clippers are probably still in a state of shock and regret. That won’t go away for some time. Which is why Doc Rivers has a lot to contemplate over the offseason.

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The Clippers need to prioritise resigning DeAndre Jordan, add wing depth if possible (potentially by signing Paul Pierce), and — judging by their interest in working out rookie prospects — make something happen in the 2015 NBA draft. Whether that’s by trading for a second round pick, or by using the knowledge they’ve gained from so many workouts to pick up an undrafted rookie following the draft.

Essentially, it’s going to be a pretty busy offseason for Doc Rivers and the Clippers.

These are the comments Doc has made recently on how he feels about the current state of the Clippers, and what it’s like to be connected to the team — by controlling basketball operations and coaching his players (per NBA.com):

"“I think it’s good that we’re on the same page. Really. I say that as a joke, but in a true sense, too, because I’ve been involved and I’ve seen where they’re not. When they’re not, it doesn’t work. I guarantee you that. When you’re on the same page, you have a chance.”"

"“There’s an emotional attachment to winning. You want to do that. You have to do what you think is best for the team. That helps you in some ways, because of the emotional attachment. You want them to win, and you know you have to try to do whatever you can to help them win.”"

Doc also made some comments about how valuable the addition of J.J. Redick has been (as he only played 35 games with L.A. in 2013-14). This season, Redick had career highs in points (16.4), field goal percentage (47.7) and three point percentage (43.7), and became the first player in Clippers’ history to make 200 three pointers in a season.

Doc said the following:

"“It changed our team because of the movement he creates for us. Now, we had no choice to make that trade. That was the only bad part, and everybody knew it, so that obviously makes trades hard.”"

Doc Rivers knows the upcoming summer won’t be easy, as ensuring he resigns his All-NBA 3rd team center is just the start of it — and everything gets even more difficult when there’s barely $5 million to work with. However, he’s made it clear that he hasn’t gone into panic mode after losing to the Rockets, and he knows that he has the core of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Jordan to build around.

All the Clippers need are players to fill the bottom of their rotation and offer the necessary depth to support their superstars who will continue to lead the way.

Doc summed up his feelings with one last statement:

“It’s going to be piece by piece”.

He knows it’s going to be tough, but he’s ready for the challenge.

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