Rivers relieved of his GM duties
Doc Rivers is losing his dual 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 Clippers said 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 dayto-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 previous 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.
The Clippers also announced that they signed former Marquette forward Jamil Wilson to a two-way contract.
The 6-foot-7 Wilson appeared in five games for the Clippers in the Summer League in Las Vegas and averaged 10.8 points.
Wilson, 26, has spent the past three seasons playing internationally and in the G-League after not being selected in the 2014 draft. Lakers sign Blue: The Los Angeles Lakers signed guard Vander Blue, the G League’s most valuable player last season.
Blue averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 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, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals. He became the team’s career leader in points, field goals made and free throws made during four seasons with them.
Blue, who left Marquette after three seasons, was undrafted in 2013. Oakley deal reached:
Former New York Knicks star Charles Oakley reached a deal with prosecutors who charged him with striking a security guard during a game on Feb. 8 at Madison Square Garden.
The charges against Oakley will be dismissed and sealed after six months of good behavior.