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DOC RIVERS and Los Angeles (LA) Clippers owner Steve Ballmer mutually agreed Monday that Rivers would step down after seven seasons.
“Doc has been an excellent coach for the Clippers, an incredible ambassador and a pillar of strength in tumultuous times,” Ballmer said in a statement. “He won a lot of games and laid the foundation for this franchise.”
Rivers’ departure comes 13 days after the Clippers ended up losing a 3-1 lead in a Western Conference second-round series against the Denver Nuggets. Denver won the last three games.
“When I took this job, my goals were to make this a winning basketball program, a free agent destination, and bring a championship to this organization,” Rivers said in a statement posted on Twitter. “While I was able to accomplish most of my goals, I will not be able to accomplish all of them.
“Although it was a disappointing end to our season … I know what this team is capable of.”
Two teams with coaching vacancies, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Philadelphia 76ers, have already closed in on Rivers, according to Undefeated.
The Clippers were seen as a major disappointment in the National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs due to the collapse against the Nuggets.
The last three setbacks were ugly as Los Angeles led by up to 16, 19 and 12 points, respectively, in losses.
The Clippers were predicted to compete for the NBA title after landing All-Star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the summer of 2019.
But the team was reportedly dealing with chemistry issues during its postseason stint in the “bubble” near Orlando. Veteran guard Lou Williams publicly cited chemistry as an issue after the Game 7 loss to the Nuggets.
The Clippers had a 49-23 regular season record and ranked second in the West.
Despite the disappointing completion of Rivers’ tenure, Ballmer reiterated his appreciation for the outgoing coach and his enthusiasm for moving forward with a new boss.
“I am immensely grateful to Doc for his commitment and contributions to the Clippers and the city of Los Angeles,” Ballmer said. “I also have a lot of confidence in our office and in our players. We will find the right coach to guide us forward and help us reach our ultimate goals. We will begin the search and interview process immediately. “
Rivers, who will turn 59 on October 13, has a 943-681 record in 21 seasons as an NBA coach. The victories rank 11th all-time. He also won the NBA title in 2008 with the Boston Celtics.
Rivers compiled a 356-208 mark during his seven seasons with the Clippers. The team made six playoff appearances.
Rivers began his coaching career with the Orlando Magic (1999-2004) before joining the Celtics (2004-13) and Clippers. – Reuters
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