Just hours after completing their epic post-season collapse, Doc Rivers was dismissed as coach of the L.A. Clippers. The coaching legend had been with the franchise for seven years, seeing mixed results with his teams over that time.
Once a free-agent, his resume and reputation ensured he was the hottest man on the market.
And now, almost just as quickly as he lost his job, he found another one in the city of Brotherly Love. In a report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the news was confirmed.
After a rapid courtship and negotiation, Doc Rivers has reached agreement on a deal to become the next coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 1, 2020
Reports had been circulating for days that the Sixers were in hard pursuit of the Championship-winning coach.
In the wake of their own disappointing finish, they fired Brett Brown that opened the door for Rivers’ arrival. Moving forward, the hope is that he can bring some life to a team that desperately needs some guidance.
The two stars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, each have their own flaws and the role-players who fill out the rest of the lineup have failed to perform up to standards so far. No doubt, it will be a challenge for Rivers to utilize this roster in a way that works — especially considering the circumstances.
But for Philly, it’s a good start and a step in the right direction. Hopefully, this will finally give them the edge they need to become legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.
