Doc Rivers, the Los Angeles Clippers head coach and president of basketball operations, must retain Blake Griffin to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Remember, Blake Griffin resurrected the Clippers from the laughing stock of the NBA. Griffin helped the team emerge as a perennial playoff team. He helped Chris Paul seriously consider the organization as a trade destination. Now, you see more Griffin jerseys in Los Angeles than any other single player not named Kobe Bryant.
Losing Griffin would be devastating for the Clippers franchise, even more so than Paul. Griffin started his career here and maintains a home here during the offseason.
Unfortunately, he and Paul both have players options. Both Clippers stars could leave after this upcoming season. This puts the teams in a similar predicament as the Thunder. They must decide between two great players leaving in free agency.
Losing Paul would sting, but his age and status could allow for him to chase a ring. Clippers fans would probably not blame him.
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However, someone must be held accountable if the Clippers lose Griffin. Insert president of basketball operations and head coach Doc Rivers.
Resting the fate of an executive on a free agency decision is pretty irresponsible. Especially, considering no one knows what will happen with Griffin. He could leave via free agency, or get traded before he has the chance. Regardless, many teams will make a run at the Clippers legend.
Either way, Griffin’s player option puts Rivers’ future with the Clippers at a crossroads.
A few weeks ago, Rivers said on the Vertical Podcast that he was confident the organization could re-sign Griffin and Paul. Sound like arrogance?
If that were the case, then sign both to extensions. Or give them reasons not to exercise their player options by winning a championship.
Ultimately, a Championship or NBA Finals berth may be the only way Rivers gets Paul and Griffin back. Winning the bronze medal for Kevin Durant will not save the Clippers from potentially losing one or both of their All-Stars.
News flash. This team was a quarter away from their first Western Conference Finals in 2014, and they still almost lost their third best player, DeAndre Jordan, via free agency. Hence, they could lose Paul and Griffin if they suffer another playoff disappointment.
At the end of the day, Rivers can not control the free agency decision of Paul or Griffin. It is their god-given right to determine where they want to play.
However, Rivers can proactively strike. Ideally, he could seek a trade for either player.
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Of course, he will not. Rivers maintains he wants to keep the core together. Despite rumors about Griffin, Rivers says teams are not calling for him. If that is the case, Rivers should be making calls about him. He has to do what is best for the future of the organization. A slew of young players for Griffin is a better option than him leaving for nothing.
Alternatively, Rivers needs to jump through hoops to make sure Griffin and Paul are happy. Rivers’ job depends on making a pitch that neither player can refuse.
The reality is that the Clippers are at a defining moment in their franchise. They can roll the dice on winning a championship to keep their two stars together. I am for that.
But if they fail. Someone must get the blame. Despite his great character, Rivers should get the blame. He was brought here to win a title with a Vinny Del Negro team that could not get over the hump. Rivers wanted to run basketball operations and coach, so he must live with the expectations.
Rivers is running out of excuses. If Griffin or Paul leaves, Rivers should see the door next. We all want Griffin to finish his career as a Clipper. Hence, it is time for Rivers to deliver.
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Otherwise, 2016-17 may become the last Clippers’ season for Griffin, Paul, and Rivers. Hopefully, it is not and they win the championship. That remains to be seen.