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via Imago

via Imago

Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George has had a rough start to his career as a Clipper. In his first season, PG and the Clippers gave up a 3-1 series lead over the Denver Nuggets in disappointing fashion to lose in seven games. Their coach Doc Rivers has now joined the 76ers.

George in his recent appearance in All The Smoke podcast had blamed former coach Doc Rivers for playing him out of position. George had said, “Doc was trying to play me as a Ray Allen or a JJ Redick, all pin-downs. I can do it, but that ain’t my game. I need some flow, I need some mixes of some pick-and-roll, and post ups…That last season was hard.”

In a recent presser, when the current 76ers coach was asked about PG’s comments, Rivers replied, “I enjoyed coaching him. So not a lot to say there.” He then jokingly said, “You know, Ty Lue was sitting right next to me, so he better hope it’s not adjustments because it ain’t going to be much different.”

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Doc even commented about the Clippers playoff loss. He said, “Listen, we lost the game, and I think everybody needs to take ownership. I, obvious, we can always do better. Players can play better. So far as I’m concerned, I’ll leave it there.”

Both the LA Clippers and Doc Rivers have a point to prove this season. The Clippers will be eager to assert themselves as the favorites, while Doc will look forward to making the Philadelphia 76ers a contender in the East.

Can Doc Rivers redeem himself with the 76ers?

Last season looked like Doc would finally be able to take the Clippers to a serious title push. But his team choked in the playoffs. The 76ers also had disappointing playoffs as the Boston Celtics swept them.

This season both Doc and the 76ers will be eager to prove their doubters wrong. In Philly, Doc is getting a team hungry for playoff success and has a great young duo of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

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With a change in the front office, the off-season has been good for the team. The roster now has some very good shooters surrounding Simmons. He is a fantastic playmaker but lacks a jump shot. With Danny Green and Seth Curry, Doc has two prolific veteran shooters who will provide a much-needed boost from the perimeter and more space for Simmons’ playmaking ability.

Traditionally big men have thrived under the 76ers coach. Now with Embiid, Doc will get a center who is a fantastic defender and is also an attacking threat. He also has a jump shot in his arsenal.

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Doc Rivers is getting an exciting roster to work with. They have all the right pieces to assert themselves as a powerhouse in the East. If he can form a system where all these pieces fit, there is no doubt that the 76ers will be a top contender in the East.