Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers players pose with jerseys at press conference at Staples Center. From left:
Branden Dawson(22),
DeAndre Jordan(6),
Austin Rivers(25), coach Doc Rivers and
Josh Smith(5),
Cole Aldrich(45),
Paul Pierce(34) and
Wesley Johnson(33). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
5. Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers
How can Doc Rivers not be smiling in this picture. He’s standing next to the most coveted free agent of the summer, his old pal Paul Pierce and Cole Aldrich, who really just doesn’t seem to belong in this picture. Rivers and the Clippers have had one of the better offseasons among NBA teams, and the Warriors should be worried about losing their crown.
Rivers, who has won 113 games in the past two seasons and already has a ring, now has the opportunity to coach one of the best teams in the NBA while also coaching his son. The Clippers are early contenders for the Western Conference Championship, and Rivers could very well win his second ring this season (as long as he starts Cole Aldrich).
Next: Rick Carlisle