3. Do the LA Clippers let go of Doc Rivers?
This, in my opinion, is the biggest question of the offseason. Do the LA Clippers get rid of Doc Rivers? Honestly, it comes down to what Kawhi Leonard wants.
After the game, he was asked what the team has to improve. Leonard’s response:
"That’s when it comes to team chemistry, knowing what we should run to get the ball in spots or just if someone’s getting doubled or they’re packing the paint…get smarter as a team. Basketball IQ got to get better."
While it’s not a direct shot at Rivers, it’s pretty telling that Leonard doesn’t think the team was running the right plays and didn’t have the mental fortitude to win. If he wants Rivers gone, Ballmer should oblige immediately.
Rivers’ coached teams have now blown 3-1 leads three times. We all remember the Houston series in 2015. He also did it with Boston in 2005.
Does that make him a bad coach? Maybe. In his seven seasons with the Clippers, Rivers has a 356-208 record in the regular season (.631 win percentage). In the playoffs though, his teams have struggled, going just 27-32 (.458 win percentage).
I know a lot will be said about Rivers over the coming days, so I want to make something clear:
Rivers the coach has not been good. Rivers as a man is nothing short of amazing. He led this team through the Donald Sterling crisis. He has been perfect in the bubble, pushing the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and reminding everyone of the importance of voting. He’s a great guy.
It is tough to lose a leader like that, especially in such a crazy time in the world. Still, this team is in the business of winning championships and he has not delivered in seven years despite having the talent to do so for probably four or five of them.
There are options both in house and around the league. Ty Lue and Sam Cassell both look poised to get head coaching jobs. Several other options including Mark Jackson, Mike D’Antoni, and the Van Gundy brothers are out there. “Unknowns” like Becky Hammon and Chauncey Billups could also be looked at.
The decision on Rivers will be the first domino to fall into place. After that, all we can do is get ready for next season.