Glenn “Doc” Rivers will remain as the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers although next NBA season could be a telling one. A lot is riding for the 2020-21 NBA wars and there is a chance that the 58-year-old coach’s future will be on the line.
As most know, the Los Angeles Clippers failed miserably in their quest to win an NBA title. They bungled a 3-1 series lead against the Denver Nuggets, a development that caught everyone by surprise. Touted as the team that can stop the Los Angeles Lakers from winning the 2019-20 title, there were reports of internal conflict happening from within. Some players were reportedly complaining about Rivers playing favorites, particularly on the load management of Kawhi Leonard.
It appears the internal issues are getting worse. In a recent report from Yahoo Sports, it turns out that there was a heated exchange that happened between Montrezl Harrell and Paul George. The spat started when Harrell got upset after George blamed him for a turnover. George tried to break down the spat but Harrell seemed pretty heated by it.
“You're always right. Nobody can tell you nothing,” Harrell reportedly said.
The Clippers did manage to race to a 3-1 lead despite that issue. However, Los Angeles wasted that advantage and now the blame game is in play. For Rivers, it was the third time he bungled such an advantage. He had the same 3-1 lead against the Orland Magic in 2003 and with the Clippers in 2015.
Harrell will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The consensus is that he will likely move out and look for another club. Rivers is expected to try and convince him to stay but his rift with Rivers could prove otherwise.
Also, George and Leonard are in the final year of their deals. If the Clippers fail again in their quest for an NBA title next year, Steve Ballmer is likely to make drastic changes. Though a lot of people love Rivers and know his accomplishments, things are just not looking too good right now.
If the Clippers fail this 2020-21 NBA season, Leonard and George could walk and move elsewhere. Aside from Harrell, other players like Marcus Morris, JaMychal Green, Patrick Patterson, Reggie Jackson, Joakim Noah and Johnathan Motley will become free agents.
Rivers has a tough road ahead and the pressure is mounting. If he cannot lead the Clippers to the promised land, Ballmer is likely to search the market for another guy who can.
