Details are now quickly emerging as to what really led to the Los Angeles Clippers' shocking decision to part ways with long-time head coach Doc Rivers on Monday. As it turns out, one of the most significant factors that led to Rivers' departure was his failure to properly sort out L.A.'s Kawhi Leonard and Paul George-led locker room.
This Los Angeles Clippers insider report comes via The Athletic's Jovan Buha:
The organization ultimately determined that the locker room, as currently constructed, lacked the requisite leadership and mettle to be true a championship team. Players weren’t necessarily put in the best position to unlock a better version of themselves, either, with the team not always making appropriate or timely adjustments, league sources said.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were the unbridled superstars of this team. This was not the issue here. However, where Doc Rivers allegedly had problems with was trying to manage the demands of his two stars while also keeping the rest of the team happy. In particular, these were L.A.'s more influential “second tier” players such as Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, and Patrick Beverley.
The report also points out a compelling argument as to how the writer believes Rivers never really struck a chord with the Clippers roster:
Rivers, in the undeniably difficult position of juggling multiple egos and sensitive personalities, never struck the necessary balance in the locker room. It’s telling that, as of this writing, no Clipper player has publicly thanked or defended Rivers on social media after his departure.
Doc Rivers has been crucified ever since the Clippers blew that 3-1 lead in the second round against the Denver Nuggets. He's been somewhat of a scapegoat — aside from Paul George, of course — and this recent development will undoubtedly further fuel the criticism against the tenured coach.
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