Clipperholics
Fansided

Why the Clippers Need Doc Rivers in a different role

By Joseph Thomas

Apr 12, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers reacts at a press conference prior to a NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers reacts at a press conference prior to a NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The LA Clippers need Doc Rivers. Despite some heavy criticism during his tenure, Doc doesn’t need to be fired. He just needs to change roles.

The Western Conference Finals are currently underway, and yet again the LAClippers are enjoying the game from the comfort of their homes.

Since joining the Clippers in 2013 and being named both head coach and President of Basketball Operations, Doc Rivers has failed to lead his team out of the second round.

The Clippers have become one of the most disappointing teams in the league, despite boasting arguably the most dynamic frontcourt in the world to go with the heralded “point god” in Chris Paul.

More from Clipperholics

Perhaps the Clips were considered a true threat in the Western Conference a few years ago, but after displaying an inability to remain healthy and a constant lack of depth, Lob City has failed to be taken seriously by the NBA’s elite.

Remaining relevant was never a question when Rivers first arrived on the scene, endearing the media and fans with his championship pedigree and old school swagger.

He was going to end the joke in Lob City, not add to it.

But, plans don’t always work out, and after the Clipper’s recent series ending loss to the Utah Jazz in the opening round of the NBA playoffs, many have called for changes in Los Angeles, one of them being the firing of Rivers.

As both the head coach and President of Basketball Operations, it becomes easy for disgruntled fans to place the blame on the former NBA Coach of the Year.

Change up the role

Doc Rivers however, should absolutely not be fired, despite failing to succeed in all facets of his powerful position in Los Angeles.

Steve Ballmer should simply free Rivers of some responsibility, allowing Doc to do what he does best, coach.

Let’s be honest, perhaps the biggest knock on the Clippers in the Big Three era has been their lack of true depth. Outside of their superstar trio of Griffin, Paul and Jordan, LA has been unable to add the talent necessary to compete with top teams like the Warriors and Spurs.

Rivers has helped important role players J.J. Redick and his son, Austin Rivers, excel under his guidance, but he hasn’t yet been able to add the pieces they desperately need. Instead he has entrusted the second unit to players like Raymond Felton and overpaid aging players like Jamal Crawford .

RELATED STORY: Austin Rivers is not a point guard

It has become increasingly apparent that Doc is overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being both the team’s head coach and de facto general manager (understandably so, it’s a difficult task).

Rivers is still a very important asset to help lure potential free agents to Los Angeles. He remains highly regarded and respected around the league as a true champion. The team looks to him as a sign of stability and consistency, traits that today’s players value more than ever.

The best thing for Ballmer to do is spend some of his spare change on an experienced, proven general manager to take the reins in the Clipper’s front office, while Rivers goes back to doing what he does best, being one of the best coaches in the NBA.

Home/Clippers News