” Doc has been a terrific coach for the Clippers, an unbelievable ambassador and a pillar of strength throughout troubled times,” Clippers owner Steve Ballmer stated in a declaration. “I am immeasurably grateful to Doc for his dedication and contribution to the Clippers and the city of Los Angeles.” When I took this job, my objectives were to make this a winning basketball program, a complimentary representative destination and bring a champion to this organization,” Rivers said in a statement on Twitter, in part. Both the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans– who each recently split with their respective coaches– have actually reportedly currently reached out to him. The Rockets and Indiana Pacers are also still without a coach for next season.
Doc Rivers time with the Los Angeles Clippers is over.
Rivers is out as the Clippers head coach following their loss in the Western Conference semifinals at Walt Disney World earlier this month, both he and the group announced on Monday afternoon.
In Clippers press release, says “Steve Ballmer and Doc Rivers have actually reached a shared choice that Rivers will step down as head coach of the L.A. Clippers.”– Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 28, 2020
Doc Rivers time with the Clippers is over. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) More.
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” We will find the best coach to lead us forward and assist us reach our ultimate goals,” Ballmer stated in a declaration. “We will begin the search and interview procedure instantly.”.
The choice, the group stated in a release, was mutual.
” When I took this job, my objectives were to make this a winning basketball program, a totally free agent location and bring a champion to this company,” Rivers said in a declaration on Twitter, in part. “While I was able to achieve the majority of my goals, I will not be able to see them all through. “Though it was a disappointing ending to our season, you are right there and I know what this group is capable of achieving with your assistance.”.
Clippers bounced from playoffs after blowing 3-1 lead.
Rivers and the Clippers almost reached the Western Conference finals for the very first time in his period this season, as they mounted a commanding 3-1 lead in their semifinal series with the Denver Nuggets earlier this month.
The Clippers, nevertheless, viewed that lead vanish almost quickly. The Nuggets rallied back from double-digit holes in the last three video games of that series to disturb the Clippers and reach the finals..
Rivers is the only head coach in league history to blow a 3-1 lead three times in his career– he did so with the Clippers in 2015 and with the Orlando Magic in 2003..
Rivers invested five seasons with the Magic and nine seasons with the Boston Celtics– where he won an NBA title in 2008– before making the jump to Los Angeles in 2013. The 58-year-old had two years left on his handle the Clippers.
Rivers likely wont remain on the market for long. Both the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans– who each just recently split with their particular coaches– have apparently currently connected to him. The Rockets and Indiana Pacers are likewise still without a coach for next season.
According to ESPNs Adrian Wojnarowski, both Clippers assistant Ty Lue and previous Houston Rockets and New York Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy are amongst the leading candidates who will be thought about to replace Rivers in Los Angeles. Van Gundy, 58, has functioned as an NBA analyst for ESPN since 2007.
” Doc has actually been an excellent coach for the Clippers, an incredible ambassador and a pillar of strength during turbulent times,” Clippers owner Steve Ballmer stated in a statement. “I am immeasurably grateful to Doc for his commitment and contribution to the Clippers and the city of Los Angeles.
Rivers had just finished his seventh season with the organization, where he assembled a 356-208 overall record. They reached the postseason in all however one season under his watch, however never ever made it out of the semifinals..
