Could Doc Rivers Be Zion Williamson’s Next Coach?

Former Blue Devil Zion Williamson’s rookie season in the NBA didn’t exactly go as planned. First he had to sit out for quite some time after knee surgery. Then the pandemic hit and the NBA went on hiatus from March 11th to July 30th. And then in the bubble Williamson had some sort of family medical emergency that clearly through him off track.

People have talked a lot about his physical condition after that but no one really considered his emotional state.

Like most people, we have no idea what that was about but Duke fans at least understand that Williamson, despite his public face of bonhomie is actually introverted and sensitive. Whatever that was about, we’re sure it had a strong impact on him.

Then after the season his coach, Alvin Gentry, was fired. New Orleans has been searching for his replacement since.

Well a new name entered the search Monday when the Los Angeles Clippers fired Doc Rivers, father of former Blue Devil Austin Rivers.

On the one hand, Rivers is the only NBA coach to lose a 3-1 lead in the playoffs three times but on the other, he’s experienced, universally respected and might be a good mentor for Williamson as he prepares for his second season in the league. And he might be tempted by the chance to mentor a unique and highly promising talent.

On the other hand, his name has also come up in the Houston search which might also tempt him if he would like to coach Austin again, as he did with the Clippers.