For the first time since taking the position as head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, Doc Rivers won’t be coaching the team in the playoffs. The first season since All-Star point guard Chris Paul left for conference rival Houston Rockets went about as well as it could have.
Rivers, no longer having to deal with the pressures of wearing two hats, one as team president and one as the coach, could focus his efforts on contending for a playoff spot. The Clippers were right in the thick of the Western Conference postseason race up until the final games of the season.
Rivers’ tenure with the team has been the subject of much discussion. However, Turner’s David Aldridge reports that Rivers could still have a future in LA after all.
League sources indicate that both Doc Rivers (Clippers) and Dave Joerger (Kings) are expected to return to their respective jobs next season, despite not making the playoffs this year.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) April 12, 2018
Before the Clippers’ final regular season game on Wednesday, Rivers said very little regarding if he wants to continue as head coach. He did offer a very candid response to his feelings about this past season.
Following from ESPN,
“I love what I do, but that doesn’t mean that you keep doing it every year, do you know what I mean?” Rivers said before the Clippers’ 115-100 loss to the Lakers. “I can’t even answer the question. I love where we’re at as a franchise. I will say that. I would honestly say that a year ago, I don’t know if I would have had that same feeling.”
Rivers did a commendable job leading his team to the cusp of a playoff berth amid what was a trying season. His contract with the Clippers is up after next season, meaning he could be facing an increased level of scrutiny next year. Coupled with the fact that DeAndre Jordan is an unrestricted free agent this summer, the Clippers roster and organization could once again find itself in a state of flux.
