Doc Rivers Intends To Keep Clippers’ Core Together Regardless Of Playoffs Results

(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Clippers have had a rough time in the NBA playoffs since putting the talented core of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan together. Head coach Doc Rivers hasn’t had postseason success with this core of players, but he still isn’t willing to give up on them regardless of the results of this year’s playoff run.

Rivers recently talked about the debate over whether the Clippers should finally break-up the team’s talented trio. Rivers, as per usual, is sticking to stance to keep the team intact with the exception of changes around the team’s three best players, via USA Today’s Sam Amick:

“Here’s my argument to (the question of whether all that luxury tax is worth it),” Rivers, who is three years into a five-year deal worth more than $50 million, told USA TODAY Sports recently. “Let’s say we don’t win this year — which I think we will, (but) let’s say we don’t. Do you give up on a 50-win team that has proven that they’re really close (to winning it all), or do you hang in there and keep trying to maybe make changes around (the core)?

“I always use Utah as a great (example). Thank God Karl Malone and (John) Stockton didn’t listen to people, you know what I mean? They fell (in the playoffs), and kept trying and kept trying. And finally, late in their careers, they finally broke through to the Finals. They didn’t win it (all). But you know, that’s the pursuit. I just think it’s so easy to (say), ‘Hey, they should break up,’ from the outside. And I think that’s such an easy opinion.”

The question of breaking up the Clippers’ core has been a hot topic of discussion over the last couple of years, and many believe this season might be the end if they can’t win it all. Paul and Griffin can both be free agents this summer, and although the point guard has reportedly verbally committed to stay, the veteran forward may be on his way out.

Rivers could see Griffin leave for the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder or another team looking for another star player. This may take the pressure off Rivers as he would’ve done everything in his power to win with this group, much like Scott Brooks in Oklahoma City.

As for the Clippers’ chances of winning it all, it doesn’t look good as they may not even be able to get by the Utah Jazz in the first round. Even if Los Angeles gets the best of Gordon Hayward and company, Rivers has to deal with the Golden State Warriors in the second round who are favored to win the title.

Rivers may be in for the harsh reality that the window of opportunity is closed for this Clippers squad.