Five Worst Moves Made by Doc Rivers the GM

Mar 28, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Spencer Hawes (32) and Brooklyn Nets forward Paul Pierce (34) battle for position for a rebound during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

3 – Choosing Spencer Hawes over Paul Pierce

At some point in the off-season, Doc Rivers decided the Clippers needed Spencer Hawes way more than they needed Paul Pierce. I don’t know how, but he did and that’s why the signing has appeared on this list.

Here is how Hawes and Pierce’s production compares through the first half of the season:

"Hawes in 2014-15: 30 games, 5.9 points (39 FG%, 30%, 64 FT%), 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 12.1 PER Pierce in 2014-15: 37 games, 12.8 points (46 FG%, 38 3P%, 79 FT%), 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 16.8 PER"

Any observer could tell you the addition of a wing (preferably a small forward) was much more important than a backup big man. In the playoffs, you need wing scoring to win games. Chris Paul can’t do it by himself and the combination of Matt Barnes + J.J. Redick are better compliments than horses that should lead the carriage. Unable to acquire the high-talent wings, Paul Pierce was looked at as the PERFECT player for the job: 1) he could replace Barnes in the starting lineup, 2) he started under Doc in Boston, 3) Pierce is from LA — even Pierce thought he’d be a Clipper this season.

When looking at this situation, it’s not just a failure to pass up Pierce. It’s a failure to commit $24 million to an offense-only big when the likes of Ed Davis, James Johnson, Chris Kaman, Kris Humphries, Jeff Adrien, etc. existed and were available on the open market.

Somebody ask Pierce how he feels about Doc picking Hawes over him: