According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the LA Clippers are nearing a deal with coach Tyronn Lue to join Doc Rivers staff this season.
Doc Rivers may have a championship winning coach as one of his assistants this season. According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the LA Clippers are close to signing Tyronn Lue as one of Rivers’ top assistant coaches this season.
The Clippers are closing in on the hiring of Tyronn Lue as a top assistant to Coach Doc Rivers, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 14, 2019
This wouldn’t be the first rodeo for Lue on Rivers’ staff. The two worked together previously for the Celtics and then the Clippers before Lue was offered a head coaching job with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He took the team led by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love to the Finals in his first three seasons with the team, winning one NBA championship.
The LeBron connection continued, with Lue nearly landing the Los Angeles Lakers spot this season before talks ultimately broke down. Now, he will join their in-home rivals.
Lue was actually with the Clippers for part of last season after being let go by Cleveland. He was in an informal advisory role to Rivers, which we praised the front office for doing. It’s not public knowledge what exactly he did, but it’s nice to know he’s already been around this core.
This hire adds another notable name to Doc’s staff. Former Clipper Sam Cassell has been a fixture for the team over the past few seasons and has seen it all. Last season, the team hired defensive guru Rex Kalamian to allow Rivers to focus more on the offensive side of the ball.
This hiring is yet just another smart move by the LA Clippers front office. Lue will fit right in, having already worked for Doc. He’ll also be no stranger to the sideline if and when Doc gets thrown out of games.