The Vertical Podcast: Doc Rivers

https://art19.com/shows/vertical/episodes/cf876d0f-9c62-44fb-96f6-6cf19dc9a633

It was oddly quiet about what happened with teams that DIDN'T get KD outside of OKC. Doc says that they asked two questions. "Are we in the top 3 choices?" To which they answered yes. He said okay, let's push it further. "Are we in the top 2?". They said no, so he immediately started calling his own free agents because they had other offers on the table and worked to preserve the team.

Also says Blake's never has never come up in a trade and that he wants him to retire a Clipper. Said if Pierce wants to retire he will cut him so that he can retire in Boston.

"From a team perspective of course we wish Paul Pierce made his decision 8 weeks ago", slightly paraphrased to add in Paul's last name so it's less confusing.

Says he almost walked off the job 10 days in because Sterling undermined him and changed mind on JJ Redick trade.

Great interview. I like how he said he wouldn't be coaching anymore if he never won in boston.

It's a great interview. I really like JJ's podcast and Woj's podcast

That actually could've worked out in our favor

Yeah right, because there's so many great coaches available, they just grow on trees, they're everywhere, LOL!!!!

Coaching wise or trade wise? Trade wise we probably make a worse trade like getting a guy like Afflalo which people might think is better but would not be.

Wake me up when we get past the 2nd round

The coach is only one of numerous variables that factor into a team's success. The idea that the coach is the determining factor in playoff success is an over simplistic and ridiculous assertion, there are many things that figure into playoff success. Last year we got a first hand look at one of the biggest ones, injuries. The coach is only one piece of the puzzle, it's the players that have to win the games.

Sorry but he's the GM as well.. If he was just the coach then I'd have no qualms about him. Don't play dumb bro

That's on Ballmer, all he has to do is hire a real GM.

Enjoy your night

Geez...you'll miss the entire season! Who really cares if all we do is get to the Western Finals....all the way or bust. There's only one winner, everybody else is a loser and goes home with the "what if's, maybes and might have beens".

I really enjoyed this interview. Woj asked really good questions and I appreciated Doc's candor. It was very interesting to hear about what happened during and after the KD pursuit. Curious to know what Blake said during that presentation that Doc lauded. I was also really glad to know that Ballmer is all in on improving the organization, hiring more scouts, analytic people, and all the rest of the ongoing improvements. It takes time to build an organization as envisioned, but it seems to me the Clippers are headed in the right direction.