Is Doc Rivers A Gambling Addict?
- Updated: July 21, 2015
(Photo via Twitter User @LAClippers)
Over the course of the past six months, Doc Rivers has made many gambles, and he’s not afraid to admit it either.
Maybe this is the real reason why he decided to coach the Los Angeles Clippers, with the city just a mere four-hour drive from Las Vegas.
In all seriousness though, with the salary cap position the Clippers have placed themselves in, all of these gambles have been necessary.
Rivers admitted signing his son Austin “was a gamble” for him during the 2014/15 season, one that paid off for the Clippers. Not only did Rivers shine throughout the playoffs, but the Clippers were able to re-sign him for a further two years.
The Clippers first addition of the summer was Lance Stephenson (via trade), and we need not explain how this addition was a gamble. While Rivers doesn’t mind admitting this acquisition was a “gamble of sorts”, he could provide the coach and General Manager a few headaches next season.
Next up, the Clippers sign the man who almost single-handedly (along with Corey Brewer) ended their season, Josh Smith. With his below average shot selection on an already queasy-looking bench, the addition of Smith is an interesting one, however necessary for the Clippers to show some sort of front court depth.
For most people, $630,000 is a gamble on the highest end of the spectrum, however for billionaire owner Steve Ballmer and his main man in Rivers, it was a small price to pay to buy New Orleans’ 2nd-round pick which turned out well for the Clippers after they announced they had signed Branden Dawson. The Michigan State product averaged 12.8 points and 10.3 rebounds in the Orlando Summer League.
One gamble that Rivers and the Clippers did not win on was on Joe Ingles last season. The Clippers decided to release the Australian before the season began, only for the Utah Jazz to snap him up, where he would become a starter on their team at the backend of the season. At least Rivers was man enough to admit “We took the gamble and lost.”
While Doc Rivers certainly doesn’t mind a gamble – and why wouldn’t you when it’s not your money! – one common factor among these signings is that they are all low-risk, potentially high-reward deals. While a bench with these names in it next season (along with Cole Aldrich and maybe Jamal Crawford) will provide some frustrating moments, the low-cost nature of their deals mean the Clippers will have some sort of flexibility next season when the cap goes up.
Finally, one last (not so gamble) gamble the organization has made in bringing back long time broadcast legend Ralph Lawler. Lawler announced via Twitter that he has re-signed for a further two years.
BINGO!
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