Since their ugly exit from the 2020 playoffs, the L.A. Clippers are in a state of flux right now as their franchise evaluates their next steps.
The departure of Doc Rivers was one the first one to go, but there may be plenty more changes in the weeks and months ahead for this team.
Spearheading those changes will be team owner Steve Ballmer who, in a new report told on the Ryan Russillo podcast, was described as going “ballistic” following their Game 7 loss — to the point where he had to be dissuaded from of getting rid of everyone (players and coaches included).
Additionally, Russillo and Simmons talked about how Michael Porter Jr.’s inspiring performance only added fuel to the fire, as Ballmer questioned why the front-office staff looked over him in the 2018 draft.
New Russillo @ringer Pod w/@BillSimmons
-NBA Finals GM 1 breakdown
-Now what?
-AD was always this good
-More Clippers info post bubble
-Connecting the coaching vacancies
-CFB @dannykanell
-Don’t write off anyone (yet)
-LSU/MIA/FL ST/Big 12/Big 10https://t.co/jBWTc57cJN
— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) October 1, 2020
Evidently, someone had to pay for the team’s failures — and coach Rivers was the guy. After seven years with the team, the Clippers have nothing to really show for all that time but some good regular-season records and second-round exits.
Looking ahead, nobody knows when the storm will end. Players will be moved, as Ballmer’s displeasure will force the hand of the front-office. But what this team may look like (or play like) next season is anyone’s guess at this point.
It’s just a huge mess.
