Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
For the Clippers to even think about hiring Rivers, they’d have to consider the many moving parts involved in making that happen.
Rivers has three years left on his contract that pays him $7 million per season.
Even though Rivers is considered one of the best coaches in the NBA, would Clippers owner Donald Sterling be willing to match that salary?
Not one NBA executive thinks so. But some of them believe Sterling might go as high as $5 million per season for someone like Rivers, several executives said.
Another issue for the Clippers to consider would be any sort of compensation the Celtics might require for Rivers if he walked away from his contract.
One NBA executive said the Celtics might ask the Clippers for two first-round draft picks over a three- or four-year period.
While Doc Rivers continues to take his sweet time contemplating his future, let’s assume he bolts Boston for a different challenge.
The Clippers are the best team without a head coach. They have two franchise players along with a solid cast of young and veteran role players. If Doc Rivers wants to continue coaching, the Clippers are the obvious choice.
As the national pundits write headline grabbing stories about Doc’s future, most conveniently ignore the fact that Celtics management holds all the cards. If Wyc Grousbeck doesn’t want Doc to coach another team for the next three years, Doc won’t be coaching another team. Unless his team of choice offers up some compensation.
I’m a spiteful guy. I’d be tempted to refuse any compensation to let Rivers out of his contract. If Doc doesn’t want to coach my team, he’s not coaching. Period.
But two 1st round picks would get me to change my attitude. The picks might be late 1st rounders, but I trust Danny Ainge could find a decent player or package the picks in a deal.
Let’s not underestimate the Donald Sterling factor in this equation. He’s screwed up that franchise for decades.
It would be vintage Sterling to refuse to offer compensation for a head coach or let money be the barrier between the Clippers landing the final piece of a championship puzzle.
So as the ESPN blowhards continue to steer Doc Rivers from Boston to Los Angeles, let’s remember it’s far from a sure thing.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Cs uncertainty deeper than Doc | From the archives: Rivers after extension | CSNNE – Tanguay: Doc holding Cs hostage | Carlisle, Mavs familiar with Celtics decision on Pierce | Globe – Draft prospect: Gorgui Dieng | ZDNet – CIO lessons from the Boston Celtics
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