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It’s time for the LA Clippers to move on from Doc Rivers

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Doc Rivers of the LA Clippers reacts from the sidelines during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center on November 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Doc Rivers of the LA Clippers reacts from the sidelines during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center on November 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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After an unimpressive start, it’s time to start considering whether the LA Clippers should move on from Head Coach Doc Rivers.

I’ve been putting this one off for a while, since I still have faith in Doc Rivers. He’s won more games than any other coach in Clippers history, has taken the club as deep into the playoffs as it’s ever been, and he’s made DeAndre Jordan the defensive stalwart we know and love. But despite all that, he still hasn’t done what he was brought here to do – win an NBA title. And unfortunately for the Clippers, it appears they’re striving away from that goal rather than toward it.

The LA Clippers have the 4th-worst record in the Western Conference, and the 6th-worst winning percentage (38.5%) in the NBA. The team has lost 6 straight games, the longest such streak of Doc’s tenure. And from an eye test alone, I’m sure we can all agree that something just looks off.  The team is playing with little-to-no effort. And while some of the blame can be placed on injuries, a majority must be placed on the coach – the healthy guys just don’t seem motivated anymore. It’s purely speculation, but it’s not far out of the question to wonder if the players still trust Rivers.

Therefore, it’s time to move on from him. The era is over, it’s run its course, etc.

We know that Doc isn’t fond of rebuilds. It’s the reason he left Boston in the first place. And we know that the Clippers, in their current state, are not close to being a championship contender. These new, youthful players could also benefit from a coach that is willing to give them the time they deserve.

Doc shouldn’t be treated like an enemy, however. He’s obviously not trying to “sabotage the team” or do anything else along those lines. He’s certainly still doing his job to the best of his ability. He just may not be the right man for the job anymore.

If the Clippers do go on to part ways with Rivers, one candidate the team should look at to fill in at the interim position is assistant coach Sam Cassell. A former Clipper and fan favorite, Cassell would likely vibe well with the younger players. There’s no telling who is best for the job though.

All we really know at this point is that it feels like Doc’s time with the club is up.

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