Clippers Firing ‘Surprised’ Doc Rivers
The Los Angeles Clippers came into the 2019-20 NBA season with high hopes of competing for an NBA championship. The team reloaded their roster with the additions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
These moves immediately put the Clippers in the title-contending conversation. Unfortunately for the Los Angeles franchise, the team fell short of those expectations in spectacular fashion. The Clippers blew a 3-1 lead in the playoff series with the Denver Nuggets. As a result, the team has decided to part ways with head coach Doc Rivers.
Want $250 to bet on the NBA Finals?
The move to part ways was said to be mutual but Rivers was reportedly surprised by the decision of Steve Ballmer and company, according to the L.A. Times.
The official release said the sides reached a “mutual decision,†but people with knowledge of the situation said Rivers was surprised to learn the Clippers wanted to move on.
Rivers was part of the franchise’s drastic turnaround which led to some major changes for the struggling team. Rivers was at the helm of Lob City from Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to Donald Sterling’s dismissal. He remained through the eventual championship-caliber squad led by Leonard and George.
Read: Ravens Will Rebound, but Chiefs Made Loud Statement
The Clippers will now begin their search for their next head coach with a few intriguing options on the open market. Tyronn Lue, Rivers’ former assistant coach, may be at the top of a short list which also includes Jeff Van Gundy. Mike D’Antoni is also looking for a new job and could become a candidate as well.
