Doc Rivers is officially the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers after getting introduced in a press conference on Wednesday. While the head coach admits that he never truly planned on leaving the Boston Celtics, he is excited about the opportunities with the Clippers and those opportunities include a championship.
During the press conference, Rivers said he wanted to shy away from talks about the Celtics and focus on the future with the Clippers. Rivers did not have Los Angeles in his future plans and had even told Boston general manger Danny Ainge that he envisioned himself coming back to the team.
"I kind of pulled out myself, not from being mad or anything, I just had enough of it," Rivers said. "I called Danny and said, 'I'm staying, I'm coaching that's what I am, let's move forward.' Then two hours later he told me 'no, you're not staying, you're going.'"
What's past is past and Rivers is ready to move on. He admits one of the reasons that drew him to Los Angeles was the opportunity to win a title with the team. He says that at this point in his career, the only reason he is coaching 'is to try to win titles." Rivers knows the Clippers proved they can be a postseason team and it is only a matter of time before a championship presents itself.
"I clearly think this is an extremely talented basketball team, there were times in last year when they were the best team. What we have to figure out is, with the group we have can we do that in the postseason as opposed to just the regular season?"
Rivers believes that group involved everyone from Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and yes, Chris Paul. That group will likely not involve Kevin Garnett. The Clippers attempted to get the veteran in the trade with Rivers, but that was shot down by the league. Now the head coach will have to try and squeeze more production out of Griffin and Jordan to be serious contenders.
"I think offenses have improved, you can't do it exactly the same anymore, I just don't think you can, guys have wised up to what we were doing, but with DeAndre and Blake I think you can absolutely form an unbelievable defense," Rivers said.
Boston was once known for their stout defense when Tom Thibodeau was an assistant. Rivers is expected to bring that mentality and style of play to Los Angeles. He certainly is not backing down from the challenge.
