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Major turmoil behind the scenes with the L.A. Clippers … the players are fuming, the staff is confused … and multiple sources tell us all roads lead to a conflict involving Steve Ballmer‘s first major hire.
After Bill Simmons said the Clips were “as dysfunctional as ever” in the new Ballmer era, TMZ Sports spoke with multiple sources within the organization — including players — who tell us the drama all centers around Gillian Zucker, the team’s president of business operations.
Long story short … several players and key staffers feel she’s not just stepping on Doc Rivers‘ toes, but she’s creating a divide … leaving many wondering who’s really calling the shots in Clipperland.
Zucker was tasked with growing the business side of things when she was brought on back in November, while Doc — president of basketball operations and head coach — is supposed to control all things related to winning.
But we’re told Zucker has been increasingly more involved on the basketball side … inserting herself into things like player development and playing time decisions … and it’s leaving many people confused, since she’s often not on the same page as Doc.
The way it’s being described to us … it’s like if you have 2 bosses telling you to do 2 different things — who do you listen to? People feel like their allegiance is constantly being tested.
In fact, we’re told one player was so frustrated with the power struggle, he actually made the decision not to re-sign with the Clippers because it wasn’t worth the headache.
Bill Simmons hinted a few weeks ago at the dysfunction under the Steve Ballmer regime and now reports are starting to leak. Power struggles aren’t uncommon in any business. But this one could be a real pain in the ass for Doc Rivers because he’s dealing with someone who knows nothing about basketball.
There’s only one person to blame in this scenario and it’s Ballmer. Following a report like this, he needs to call a mandatory meeting and inform all staff – from Zucker to janitorial services – that Doc Rivers has the final say in all basketball operations. He also needs to tell Zucker privately that she needs to skate her lane.
But people of power aren’t always competent. Look no further than the boobs running the NFL.
I feel for Doc Rivers. If only he had the opportunity to work with a stable ownership group.
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