By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Just three days after the Los Angeles Clippers’ front office confirmed coach Doc Rivers’ departure from the team, the prized coach will be back in the Eastern Conference to head one of the NBA’s top teams.
Can Rivers help improve “the process?”
Philadelphia is banking on Rivers’ championship experience during his time with the Boston Celtics in 2008 to help them advance in the east.
Philadelphia superstar center Joel Embiid was quick to welcome Rivers, expressing his excitement in a tweet.
“Welcome to the city of Brotherly Love Coach @DocRivers!!! Excited for the future and what we’re building here. #PhillyForever,” tweeted Philadelphia’s superstar big man.
Rivers and the 76ers are both coming off disappointing playoff campaigns with Rivers’ Clippers losing to the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia getting swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round.
76ers general manager Elton Brand was reportedly immediately on the phone trying to lure the decorated coach to Philly after learning of his release from the Clippers.
Previously, Brand and the 76ers management were reportedly in talks with former Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’ Antoni but ultimately settled on Rivers to lead their team.