Doc Rivers parts ways with LA Clippers after disappointing playoffs run

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

After seven years of calling the shots for the Los Angeles Clippers, decorated head coach Doc Rivers and the management mutually agreed to go on separate paths.

Entering the NBA bubble full of high-expectations after acquiring all-star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers were prematurely eliminated by a young and surging Denver Nuggets team and gave up a 3-1 series lead in their Western Conference semifinals showdown.

With the surprising early exit from the Clippers and failing to give their fans an all-LA Western Conference Finals against the Lakers, chairman Steve Ballmer knew that a change would be needed.

Rivers then announced the news in his Twitter account that he will not return with the Clippers the next season and is still undecided about his next move.

“Doc has been a terrific coach for the Clippers, an incredible ambassador, and a pillar of strength during tumultuous times. He won a heck of a lot of games and laid a foundation for this franchise,” shared Ballmer.

In his seven-year run as the Clippers’ chief tactician, Rivers was able to lead the team to six playoffs appearances since the Chris Paul-Blake Griffin era.

“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. While I was able to accomplish most of my goals, I won’t be able to see them all through,” Rivers wrote in his post.