What if #4: Laker's Coach Doc Rivers
2004 was a very exciting time for the NBA. The Pistons had finally ended the reign of the Lakers Dream Team, Lebron James had just been drafted along with his league changing draft mates, Shaq and Kobe were about to get divorced; it was ugly. After the finals, Phil Jackson decided to step down and Rudy Tomjanovich replaced him for half the 2004-2005 season but Frank Hamblen was forced to finish the year when Rudy had to step aside.
On last Wednesday's BS Report with Bill Simmons, Al Michaels tells a story about Doc almost/ possible/ golf fantasy signing with the Lakers. How would that have changed the NBA landscape?
What it would have meant for the Lakers
I think Doc could have convinced Payton and Malone to play another year. I also believe he could have convinced Shaq to remain a Laker and maybe he could have repaired the relationship between him and Kobe thus making the trade unnecessary. There were plenty of players available for the Lakers to retool and start the Doc Rivers Era. It also probably means Jackson never returns to L.A. and Pau Gasol never becomes a Laker.
Top 3 Spinoffs
1. What happens to Jackson?
It just so happens that in 2005 Cleveland missed the playoffs for the second time in Lebron's career. They fired their coach and Phil loves working with superstars. If Jackson heads to Cleveland, he probably would have convinced the best free agent Ray Allen to join him. That combination of players would have set the Cavs up to become an elite team right away. Eventually, the Cavs and the Lakers meet in the final for one of the most intriguing series in history.
2. Miami
The Heat never win title number one and slip a little into the average team who-can-never-quite-make-it-over-the-hump mold. With the success of the Cavs, Lebron never makes the Bad Decision and never takes his talents to South Beach. Maybe Melo and Bosh join Wade but they would not have been enough to take down the Cavs or the Celtics.
3. Boston
In the spring of 2004 without the availability of Doc Rivers, Ainge takes a chance on a young up and comer named Tom Thibodeau. The Celtics instantly become a defensive minded squad. The great move to bring in Kevin Garnett happens earlier in 2007 and the Celtics become known for picking up athletic, defensive minded players. They still win a title and may even contend for a few others.
As stated, this would have been a league changing what if. The possibilities would have been endless and the ramifications would have run far and wide. But I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's always fun to wonder.
