Rivers loses exec role, but will keep coaching
Doc Rivers is losing one of his roles with the Los Angeles Clippers, keeping his position as coach while Lawrence Frank takes over Rivers’ responsibility for basketball operations.
The team announced the changes Friday, saying the moves are “aimed at bringing the team to a new level of excellence by creating separate roles.” The team says the change came as a result of discussions between Rivers and owner Steve Ballmer.
Rivers and Frank will be equals in the Clippers’ power structure, with each reporting directly to Ballmer.
Last year, Frank was promoted to oversee day-to-day operations of the front office although Rivers retained his title as president of basketball operations. Frank and Rivers have a strong relationship and they worked together to make hires and changes in the front office structure. Frank has had NBA head coaching jobs in New Jersey and Detroit.
“Doc knows how to win championships. That is what we prioritize, and that is what Doc will focus on,” Ballmer said. “Lawrence is someone I learn from every single time I hear him talk. He gets recruiting, talent development and identification, salary-cap strategy — he gets it all. With these two guys at the helm, we will have great success.”
Rivers said he’s “excited to focus on the coaching side” since two-thirds of the team’s roster will be new next season. In June, All-Star guard Chris Paul was traded to Houston. This month, the Clippers resigned All-Star forward Blake Griffin and acquired forward Danilo Gallinari from Denver.
Rivers was hired by the Clippers as president and coach in 2013. He has a 217-211 regularseason record with the team. Rivers guided Boston to the 2008 NBA championship while coaching there for nine seasons.
Mills re-signs with Spurs:
The Spurs re-signed former St. Mary’s guard Patty Mills, who shot 41 percent from threepoint range last season, to a reported four-year, $50 million contract.
Mills has spent the past six seasons with the Spurs. He averaged 9.5 points and a career-best 3.5 assists last season. Mills also made 147 three-pointers and averaged a career-high 21.9 minutes per game.
San Antonio won 67 games last season before being swept by the Warriors in the Western Conference finals.
Lakers sign G League MVP:
The Lakers signed guard Vander Blue, the G League’s most valuable player last season. Blue averaged 15 points and three assists for the Lakers’ Las Vegas Summer League team. The 6-foot-5 guard played last season for the South Bay Lakers of the G League, averaging 24.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.6 steals.