Hock’s Headlines — NBA News
Doc Rivers Out of Front Office
LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers will no longer be the president of basketball operations for the Clips. Team owner Steve Ballmer said that Lawrence Frank, former VP of basketball operations, will take over as president. Rivers is said to still have some sort of personnel input.
It is reported that Doc Rivers will still be earring his $10 million salary for this upcoming season.
Ballmer made this statement giving explanation:
“I’ve owned the team for three years now, and I really better understand what an owner’s responsibility is — and it turns out that running a franchise and coaching are two enormous and different jobs. The notion that one person can fairly focus on them and give them all the attention they need isn’t the case. To be as good as we can be, to be a championship franchise, we need two functioning strong people building teams out beneath them. There needs to be a healthy discussion and debate with two strong, independent minded people.
“There are different relationships that a player needs to have with the coach and the front office. Doc put Lawrence in charge of the non-coaching aspects of the front office last year, and he’s done a fantastic job. I want each of them to dig in and do what they do best. Lawrence has come on so strong in that role, and that has helped us go down this path.”
Doc Rivers is under contract for the next two seasons.
Coaches on the Hot Seat
Last year was the first time in 46 season that a head coach was not fired. This year should be a little different. Here are a couple coaches who may be looking for a job at the end of the 2017–2018 season.
Alvin Gentry, New Orleans Pelicans
With Boogie and The Brow in the mix, this firing would be a little embarrassing. Gentry has two all-star big men but no hardware to show off. Jrue Holiday is an average point guard who ironically had one of his best seasons last time out. The Pelicans haven’t yet played a full season with Boogie, so this season is do or die for this squad.
Luckily, they added veteran Rajon Rondo to bolster guard play. He doesn’t shoot well, but he can dish the rock like no-one else. It’ll be an interesting year for the Pelicans and if they can’t show even the slightest bit of success, expect a new head coach for the following season.
Jeff Hornacek, New York Knicks
5 coaches, 6 seasons. That is what I like to call instability. With new management (Scott Perry as General Manager) we may see a firing at some point this season. It is still unclear whether Melo is being traded, but even with him, this team wont do much in the East.
Let’s assume Melo does exit. Management may give Hornacek a chance to rebuild around Kristaps Porzigis and Tim Hardaway Jr. in a more “sane” environment. But if this is anything like the Phil Jackson era, Hornacek will be out sooner rather than later.
Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers
Rivers was recently removed as president of basketball operations, as seen above. Jerry West was hired on as a consultant for the Clips. West wants to rebuild and win like he knows how to do, see: Golden State Warriors. He helped construct that team into one of the best of all time. Now, he has another challenge with Doc and co.
The Clippers have made the playoffs each of the last 4 years but have yet to make it past the second round. Chris Paul was just traded, so success isn’t really expected this year. With that being said, West and owner Steve Ballmer may decide to move on to bigger better things if things don’t look promising with Doc Rivers.
In other News…
Victor Oladipo earns 2017 NBA Africa Game MVP honors (28 pts, 9rb, 5a)
John Wall is frustrated over his 90 overall 2k rating.
Charles Oakley was given a 1 year ban from Madison Square Garden.
Hock’s Hot Takes
- I still think that Kyrie stays in Cleveland.
- Melo stays put and retires as a Knick in a couple years.
- Jeff Hornacek loses his job amid 0 success with Melo and PorzinGod.
- Steph gets bored of dominating the NBA and takes on pro golf.
