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Power ranking NBA head coaches: 2015-16 season

By John Buhler

Oct 23, 2015; Manchester, NH, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens gestures from the sidelines during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Verizon Wireless Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2015; Manchester, NH, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens gestures from the sidelines during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Verizon Wireless Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts on the sidelines during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts on the sidelines during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers

Doc Rivers had a long and successful NBA career as a player, most notably for the Atlanta Hawks in the 1980’s. Naturally, he is one of better players’ coaches in the National Basketball Association. Players love playing for Doc Rivers. It’s been that way since his time with the Orlando Magic.

Rivers is one of five active NBA head coaches to win an NBA Championship, with his lone title to date coming in 2008 with the Boston Celtics. He was able to win yet another championship for the Boston Celtics with his big three (Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce). Rajon Rondo became an elite-level point guard under his tutelage in Boston.

When Boston wanted to go in a different philosophical direction, Rivers went to the Los Angeles Clippers to team up with point guard Chris Paul and power forward Blake Griffin. Center DeAndre Jordan has become a household name during Rivers’ time in Los Angeles. The Clippers are one of the few teams in the Western Conference that could conceivably win an NBA Championship.

While general manager Doc often times seems to get in the way of head coach Doc, Rivers is the right coach to potentially get the long-suffering Clippers organization their own championship banner in the Staples Center.

So far in his head coaching career, Rivers has won over 50 games six times. Taking a historical Western doormat to an NBA Finals is an improbable task and Rivers could very well do that before his time in Los Angeles comes to a close, on his terms of course.

Next: 4. Mike Budenholzer

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