A Los Angeles Clippers season that started with unbridled optimism ended with sniping, bickering and a coaching change following a second-round playoff upset to the Denver Nuggets.
Rumors of season-long chemistry issues rose to the surface as the Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead, and head coach Doc Rivers’ seven-year tenure as head coach came to an end.
Reports about preparation issues and preferential treatment for Kawhi Leonard under Rivers dogged the team prior to Rivers’ exit. But the complaints were relegated to reports and rumors, with players largely declining to publicly put their name on the problems.