The LA Clippers taking their time on the coaching search is the right move.
Doc Rivers has already moved on. After being let go by the LA Clippers, Rivers quickly found a new position in Philadelphia but the Clips are still without someone to fill the vacancy left by him. That’s not a bad thing though. By taking their time, the Clips are making sure they get the right guy.
As of now, only one candidate is known publicly to have an interview set up with the team. Ty Lue will meet with the Clippers soon but the team is adamant that he’s not a guarantee to get the job. Instead, they will look at several other options including Jeff Van Gundy, Sam Cassell, and others.
Lue is likely the favorite to get the job. Fans may feel a sense of urgency that I can understand – Lue is set to meet with the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans about their vacancies as well. That does mean the team could be on a timetable not of their choosing. Still, if the Clippers really ultimately want him, I’m sure Steve Ballmer and the front office can convince Ty that staying put in Los Angeles is the best option for him.
With Paul George and Kawhi Leonard both entering free agency after this upcoming season, the team absolutely has to get this right. Whoever they hire must understand the urgency that this franchise faces and has to come in ready to take this team deep into the playoffs, ideally all the way to the promised land.
While we can probably expect the Clippers’ search to extend at least through the rest of this week, I also wouldn’t be surprised if an announcement just drops out of nowhere. This team has done well to make smart moves while continualy staying tight lipped. Whatever ecision they make, assume that they will have done their due dilligence and will hire the right person.