Doc Rivers responds to Bill Simmons’ criticism about how he left Celtics; discusses relationship with Rondo

New Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers joined the show to talk about why he left the Celtics.

Dan asked Rivers about ESPN analyst Bill Simmons’ claims that he quit on the Celtics.

“The [Celtics] wanted to unload contracts for draft picks,” Rivers said. “I happened to be one of those contracts. [An owner] said this is a win-win. … Clearly I had a selfish motive. I had a chance to not rebuild and go to a team that is in a different phase of their franchise. Everybody benefits. This is done together. This isn’t me walking into the Celtics and saying I quit.

Rivers elaborated on his relationship with Simmons.

“Bill is a fan,” Rivers said. “Is he qualified to do the NBA? We can debate that all day. But he’s a fan. Not a fan of mine and he never has been.”

Rivers talked about his relationship with Rajon Rondo and some of the arguments they’ve had.

“It happens with a lot of players,” Rivers said. “But Rondo and I’s relationship is terrific. When the news was consummated, we exchanged texts. We have a good relationship. It’s amazing when you get traded or leave, stories that happened three years ago [come out].”

Dan asked if he’s talking to Chris Paul. “Yeah, I try to talk to him every day,” Rivers said. He even admitted he’s talking to Paul more than his son Austin right now.

Rivers also commented on Kevin Garnett’s impact in Brooklyn: “When you bring Kevin Garnett into a basketball team. You have an immediate culture  change.  They’re going to benefit so much. It’s going to be an amazing transformation.”

 

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