Apr 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach
Doc Riverstalks with center
DeAndre Jordan(6) in the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Clippers won 110-103. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
No.3: Doc Rivers – Los Angeles Clippers
Let’s face facts, the Los Angles Clippers have been really good over the past several seasons. They’ve held high seeds in the West on several occasions and even managed to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs last season. But that’s been the problem, though.
This team wasn’t assembled to be very good. Doc Rivers didn’t jump ship in Boston to coach a very good team in LA. This team was supposed to be great. They were supposed to, at the very least, be vying for conference titles on a yearly basis, but they’re inability to even reach that stage of the playoffs has been a major let down for many fans of the sport.
This season though, they have all of the right pieces that they lacked in years passed. With some incredible luck and excellent timing, they managed to retain DeAndre Jordan, they signed Paul Pierce to fill out their open slot on the wing, and bolstered their bench with some pretty solid pieces who have been consistent starters else where.
Doc Rivers has before him a roster that is built to win right now. They have compiled all of the talent and depth needed to excel in the tougher conference, and the veteran leadership and shot making ability to carry them through the playoffs. This team has the look of one ready to take a huge step forward. If they can come away with one of the top seeds out west, and look dominant while doing so, Doc Rivers will look like a legitimate COY candidate by seasons end.
Next: No. 2