The 2020 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat has not even started yet, and we’re already looking at a pretty crazy offseason for the rest of the Association.
Earlier on Monday, it was announced that the Los Angeles Clippers had decided to move on from the most-successful head coach in franchise history, Doc Rivers, after seven seasons.
We’re now already hearing some rumors surrounding Rivers’ next potential landing spot.
76ers and Pelicans have already reached out to Doc Rivers
This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise given Rivers’ pedigree as a head coach in the NBA. We’re talking about a man who has posted a career .581 winning percentage in stops with the Magic, Celtics and Clippers.
Prior to leading Los Angeles to six playoff appearances in seven seasons, the 58-year-old Rivers led Boston to two NBA Finals appearances and an NBA title. While the Clippers failed to make it to the conference finals in his seven seasons, Rivers remains highly respected around the Association.
Philadelphia 76ers coaching rumors
Former Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni has surfaced as the front runner for the job after Brett Brown was fired following another premature playoff exit. It’s not yet known if the Clippers’ opening changes things here. He could very well be interested in that job.
Related: Top 76ers head coaching candidates
What we do know is that Philadelphia is looking for an experienced coach that could help Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid reach their true potentials en route to leading the team into title contention. Rivers fits that bill.
New Orleans Pelicans coaching rumors
The situation is vastly different in New Orleans after it fired Alvin Gentry. Front office head David Griffin is not necessarily looking for an experienced candidate to replace Gentry. Led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans are a young team with untapped potential.
Related: Top candidates for Pelicans head coach job
It’s in this that it stands to reason that New Orleans might look for a younger head coach. Even then, Rivers could make a lot of sense as someone to help Williamson and Ingram grow as players.