Doc Rivers Tenure (2013–2020)
The architect of the Clippers' first ever Western Conference Finals appearance in franchise history.
Doc Rivers arrived in Los Angeles in June 2013, tasked with elevating a franchise long plagued by inconsistency and ownership controversy. His tenure marked the most successful period in Clippers history to date, transforming the team from lottery regulars into perennial playoff contenders. While defined early on by the 'Lob City' trio of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, his legacy was cemented during a later championship-caliber window.
- Role
- Head Coach
- Tenure Start
- June 2013
- Ownership Era
- Late Donald Sterling / Early Steve Ballmer
- Playoff Consistency
- Qualified for playoffs in 7 of 8 seasons
Lore & Background
The culmination of his seven-year run occurred in the NBA Bubble in Orlando. The Clippers secured their first-ever Western Conference Finals berth, ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Lakers. While the championship remained elusive, Rivers proved that the franchise could compete at the highest level, setting a new standard for future coaches and management.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Bubble was sterile, devoid of the usual roar from the floor. Doc stood near the sideline in his polo, eyes scanning the hardwood where Kawhi Leonard prepared to inbound. There were no fans, just the hum of cameras and the weight of decades of frustration resting on their shoulders. He looked at his clipboard, then up at the scoreboard showing the win that secured the series. For the first time in franchise history, they had punched a ticket to the next round.
Reader's Guide
The era began under Donald Sterling's ownership, with Rivers tasked to stabilize 'Lob City.' The team found immediate regular-season success but struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs due to defensive inconsistencies. In 2014, Steve Ballmer purchased the franchise, signaling a new financial and cultural direction. This period saw the departure of Chris Paul and the arrival of Paul George, shifting the style toward two-way play and veteran leadership rather than pure athletic flash. The final phase focused on maximizing the talents of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Did You Know?
- Doc Rivers was the first coach in franchise history to lead the Clippers to the Western Conference Finals.
- He won an NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 prior to joining Los Angeles.
- His tenure spanned the controversial ownership transition from Donald Sterling to Steve Ballmer.