NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Los Angeles Clippers

By Jason Klaer | May 6, 2017

Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6), guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) come off the bench in the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Kings won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

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April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts after guard Chris Paul (3) is called for a foul against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Break off the Rivers/Clippers’ marriage

Doc Rivers has had too much on his plate between coaching and managing personnel and the cracks have shown. He hasn’t been able to pull the team together on the court, and he hasn’t been able to build a well-rounded roster to help himself do that.

Doc has failed to take Los Angeles to the Western Conference Finals in four seasons. Los Angeles has blown a series lead in the playoffs every single year under Rivers. Great regular seasons have not transferred over. Yes, injuries have hurt Los Angeles. At the same time, Rivers has been content with keeping the main roster the same since he arrived. He still expects big things to come for the Clippers, despite mediocre playoff appearances. In 2014, Rivers signed a five-year deal. Rivers should be tested greatly in the final two years of his contract.

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Winning with this group is ideal for Rivers, it is just not realistic. If the Clippers have not broken through already, what will change next season? Or 2018? A different person in charge is what’s called for.

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