Doc Rivers says there would've been spot for Garnett on Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers said that he would have made room for Kevin Garnett if he was still interested in playing.
"I would have absolutely been interested in bringing him (to the Clippers)," Rivers told ESPN's Jackie MacMullan on Friday. "You always find a place for a guy like that, whose voice in the locker room is so strong, so clear, so impactful."
That ship has sailed for Garnett though. The 40-year-old officially announced his retirement from the NBA Friday after a certain Hall of Fame career that spanned 21 seasons. He still had one year left on his contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
"He doesn't want to play," Rivers added regarding his former Boston Celtics superstar. "I'm sure he won't play again. I think he realized, 'Why am I doing this?'"
Related: NBA reacts to Kevin Garnett's retirement
When Garnett returned to the Timberwolves in February 2015, rumors swirled that he and then-president and coach Flip Saunders would ultimately team up in a bid to buy the franchise. However, Saunders passed away last October after a short battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
"It wasn't a great ending," Rivers said. "I'm not going to say too much about it, but once Flip passed away it threw a wrench into everything."
Garnett's retirement comes as Rivers and the Clippers await a decision from another former Celtic, Paul Pierce, on his playing future. Earlier this month, Rivers said it "depends on the day I talk to him," on whether Pierce will retire or not.
The Clippers could have some clarity on the situation as soon as Monday, when the team holds its Media Day.