For years the Los Angeles Clippers have taken a back seat to the Los Angeles Lakers. For years they hid in the shadows like a little sister. Well, all that is in the past as the Clippers are slowly building a team that will lead them to a championship. It all starts with new head coach Doc Rivers who is preparing a takeover of the city of Los Angeles.
The Clippers put on an introductory press conference to present a slew of new players to the media. Alongside Rivers, was re-signed point guard Chris Paul, JJ Redick, Jared Dudley and Darren Collison and returnees Matt Barnes and Ryan Hollins. They represented part of team that Rivers feels is ready for a path that includes a championship in the future.
Rivers is known for building dynamic teams of marquee players. During his time with the Boston Celtics, he managed several egos, leading a heavy roster to a championship. After those nine seasons came to an end, Rivers expects the same thing to happen in Los Angeles and it all starts with putting every player on the same level.
"Everybody got interviewed at the same time," Rivers said. "And you know what's funny is that the questions were about even. I thought that was great, but it surprised me. I was concerned going into it that every question would go to Chris. Shoot, everybody was asked about an even amount."
Rivers understands that Paul is the key to the team being successful, but stresses that every player has a certain role that will aide in that effort. On paper, the Clippers look like the team to beat. "I know what I think we can be, and I think that we have a realistic chance of being the winner at the end of the year," Rivers said.
While Paul might be the player to build around, Rivers was the swaying point for several free agents to come to Los Angeles. Paul credits the head coach for helping making his decision to return so much easier.
"I'll say this about Doc-having Doc as the coach doesn't automatically translate to wins, but what I think it does is it gives you an opportunity to win, and so I'm just excited about his basketball knowledge and how passionate he is about the game," Paul said.
Reddick echoed those statements. He believes he can be Rivers' new Ray Allen. Rivers will be key in the transition for the Clippers and building team chemistry with all of the new stars. He did it in Boston, he can do it in Los Angeles.
