By Dylan Schreibman
After the historic 3-1 collapse in the Western Conference Semifinals, the Clippers and head coach Doc Rivers have parted ways. Rivers spent seven seasons in the position.
Coach Doc Rivers is out with the Clippers, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 28, 2020
Now that the organization has parted ways with Rivers, many wonder who the Clippers will hire as their next head coach. The successor will have to bring championship pedigree as the Clippers are looking to raise to the next level. After being heavy favorites to win the title this year and facing disappointment, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard face extreme pressure next season. Furthermore, with George currently locked in only for next season the Clippers championship pressure clock is quickly ticking.
Here are the best options for the Clippers moving forward:
Tyronn Lue
The leading option in my opinion is Tyronn Lue. Lue is the fit that makes the most sense for multiple reasons. First, Lue is currently serving as an assistant coach for the Clippers. This would allow for a smooth transition as Lue is aware of the tendencies and style of the organization. Furthermore, the Clippers need a coach with proven leadership and championship pedigree. Lue has previous experience as a head coach with elite players like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. More importantly, Lue won a championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. The Clippers are looking to make a championship run next season making this choice the perfect fit.
Doc Rivers had two years left on his contract, sources tell ESPN. This is a challenging coaching search for Clippers, who are the ultimate win-now team. Among top candidates in the marketplace: Clippers assistant Ty Lue and former Rockets and Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy. https://t.co/Ov02RYNbK9
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 28, 2020
Sam Cassell
With Tyronn Lue emerging as one of the hottest coaches on the market, Sam Cassell would be the next option on the Clippers staff to promote. This is way more of a risky option as Cassell lacks head coaching experience. However, Cassell has served as an assistant coach in the NBA since 2009. This includes being on the Clippers staff since 2014. Like Lue, this helps with familiarity for players making a smoother transition. Cassell is aware of the system and would begin his head coaching career with a very talented roster.
Becky Hammon
While this move is unlikely as Hammon is currently 10th in odds, hear me out. If the Clippers choose to hire from the outside and not promote, Becky Hammon would be the top choice. A breath of fresh air might be what the Clippers need. While Hammon has not been a head coach yet creating a risk, she has been an assistant coach with the Spurs since 2014. With her six seasons in San Antonio, Hammon has been able to work under one of best coaches in NBA history, Greg Popovich. Coaching with Popovich has given Hammon playoff experience in five of six seasons. NBA veterans like Pau Gasol and Danny Green have raved about Hammon’s coaching ability. Gasol stated:
“I’m not saying she can coach pretty well. I’m not saying she can coach enough to get by. I’m not saying she can coach almost at the level of the NBA’s male coaches. I’m saying: Becky Hammon can coach NBA basketball. Period, (NBC Sports).”
To back up these claims, Danny Green stated Hammon is one of the top five coaches he has ever played for. This proves she builds terrific relationships with players which could boost the Clippers chemistry.
NBA head coach Becky Hammon has a nice ring to it.
— Lyndsey D'Arcangelo (@darcangel21) September 28, 2020
Alvin Gentry
If the Clippers choose to hire someone with head coaching experience from the outside, the one that would make the most sense would be Alvin Gentry. Gentry is another head coach on the market that has proven experience in leadership. This would help the Clippers as they need someone to get them to the next level. Gentry has 17 years of head coaching experience that includes experience in the playoffs. Gentry has coached in 30 playoff games over his career that has accumulated a winning record (17-13). Gentry has yet to win a championship as a head coach but has valuable playoff experience that could help vault the Clippers. Maybe the franchise and Gentry could get their first together? Only time will tell.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/gentral99c.html
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Pau Gasol Quote: https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/sixers/becky-hammon-sixers-head-coach-search
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