Los Angeles Clippers: Is the Doc Rivers Deal Done?
As Bugs Bunny once said: “Err, what’s up Doc?” That’s exactly what we’re all wondering at this point. Is it on or is it off? Will he or won’t he? Well, turns out he will. With the NBA seemingly giving the thumbs up on the deal between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers will be the coach of the “other” team in L.A … I think.
The two teams finally settled upon compensation as the Clippers caved in and handed Boston an unconditional 2015 first-round pick for Chris Paul’s preferred coach–not that he would be terribly upset about the other options.
Doc Rivers is one of the best coaches in the NBA and is an extremely valuable asset (Flickr.com photo by Keith Allison)
However, according to ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, the move is yet to be confirmed because Rivers and his representatives are still reviewing the wording in the coach’s new contract. MacMullen continues to state: “Rivers and his representatives also are recommending changes in the language of the transaction.”
Despite Rivers flirting with retirement a little while back, reports claim the Clippers are to offer the 2000 NBA Coach of the Year a $21 million dollar deal over three years. That is the same as he had left in his contract with Boston and will continue to make him the highest-paid coach in the NBA. (Forbes.com)
For Rivers, going to the Los Angeles Clippers is somewhat of a homecoming after he spent a season with the team back in 1993-94. Having said that, this is a completely different Clippers team with a completely different culture that has had a taste of success, no matter how minor it is.
With the talent that Rivers will have next year, many should and will be expecting a title run even with considerable competition in the Western Conference.
Still, that talent seemingly won’t include Kevin Garnett as phase two of the original package is also reportedly off the table. According to multiple reports, the NBA will block any attempt to exchange players if the teams attempt to strike a “separate” deal.
To reiterate: All indications are NBA WILL approve LAC deal for Doc Rivers. But all indications also are any KG-to-Clips trade gets blocked
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 23, 2013
And here's why: Teams can't put players in transaction for a coach. NBA sees KG being dealt to Clips, now or later, as part of same Doc deal
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 23, 2013
This is due to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) not allowing teams to use coaches as part of a trade. And a subsequent transaction between the two parties including say, a certain former NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, would seem a bit iffy. But as is the case with pretty much any rule, there’s always a loophole.
Nevertheless, even with the current crop of talent (Chris Paul included), Clipper Nation will be hoping for and expecting similar, if not better, success Doc Rivers had in Boston, leading the team to a league championship in 2008 and an appearance in the NBA Finals two years later. The Celtics also reached the playoffs in each of the past six seasons under Rivers, winning five consecutive Atlantic Division titles from 2007-08 to 2011-12.
Plus, you would expect the Clippers’ fourth-ranked defense to continue to be one of the best units and with arguably the best point guard in the Association, let’s just say the offense is in good hands.