Sixers coach Doc Rivers discusses return to LA, impact on Clippers
Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers spent seven seasons in Los Angeles coaching a Clippers franchise that does not have the greatest history. It was always known as a losing franchise that was never going anywhere.
Rivers joined the franchise in 2013 and he posted a 564-356 record during his time with the Clippers. They were constantly in playoff contention every season, and, if not for injuries to players such as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, they would have made it deeper than the second round.
“My stint with the Clippers, I really believe I helped change that franchise,” said Rivers. “When you hear that name now, you don’t think bad things. You think good things. That was one of my goals. The other goal was to win a title, so I was one for two.”
The Clippers will be remembered by some for coming up short in big games under Rivers: They blew a 3-1 lead in the Western semifinals in both 2015 and 2020. But people also have to realize the Clippers probably wouldn’t have even been in that position if not for Rivers changing the culture there.
It’s going to be nice to return to Staples Center against the Clippers for Rivers. They did, of course, play in the arena on Thursday against the Lakers. It helped with the emotions when it comes to something like this for him.
“I guess today (Thursday) kind of helped because you walk in and you see all the same people,” he explained. “It’ll be the same against them. Obviously, I coached there and know a lot of the players, though half of those are gone at each trade deadline, but it would be nice.”
The Sixers continue the road trip on Saturday against the Clippers at 10 p.m. EST.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
