Could a return to the Eastern Conference actually be in play for Doc Rivers?
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post on Tuesday, a former associate of the LA Clippers head coach believes it is “not far-fetched” that he would have interest in the New York Knicks job if Jeff Hornacek is fired.
“Doc enjoyed his time there,” said the former associate of Rivers, who played for the Knicks for three seasons from 1992 to 1994 before his coaching career. “He respects the city, he respects the organization.”
Berman further notes that Knicks owner James Dolan is said to have “a long fascination” with the one-time Coach of the Year. Rivers’ lead assistant Mike Woodson also served as the Knicks head coach from 2012 to 2014.
Rivers, who has coached the Clippers since 2013, is currently under contract for one more season. He has had to answer questions about his job security in recent months however and was recently demoted by the team as well (though Rivers’ efforts in leading a battered roster to the fringe of a playoff spot in the Western Conference have been widely lauded lately).
As for Hornacek, he holds a record of 55-89 (.382) through two seasons coaching the Knicks, which is by no means stellar. Rivers would likely represent an upgrade if Hornacek is ultimately let go. But it’s probably an open question as to if New York has a brighter long-term outlook than the Clippers with franchise cornerstone Kristaps Porzingis nursing a torn ACL.
