Los Angeles Clippers retain Vinny Del Negro as head coach for next season – NBA Update
The Los Angeles Clippers have announced that Vinny Del Negro will be back as the head coach of the team next season. Del Negro has coached the side for two years and his contract ran till the end of the 2011 – 2012 NBA season, with the Clippers having the
option to extend it for a year.
Los Angeles have exercised that option, meaning that Del Negro is set to remain at the helm till the end of the 2012 – 2013 NBA season. The coach came under some criticism during the season when the Clippers were struggling, but led a revival that saw them
make it into the playoffs, where they were beaten by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round.
Nevertheless, the 2011 – 2012 campaign was the most successful in Clippers history and Del Negro has obviously been rewarded for his work.
"We think we have the most talented roster in franchise history and Vinny turned that into the best record in franchise history," Los Angeles Clippers general manager Neil Olshey said by phone. "Clearly, there was never a question that Vinny was going to
come back."
The Clippers made some big moves in the transfer market last year, most notable among whom was the acquisition of super star point guard Chris Paul. With Paul running the show and a team full of exciting young talents, none more eye catching than star forward
Blake Griffin, the Clippers played an attractive brand of basketball that raised their profile around the NBA and brought good results.
Del Negro hadn’t commented a lot on his future after the Clippers bundled out to San Antonio but was hopeful of getting an extension. When the deal was done Vinny took time out to thank his players and the coaching staff.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to continue the plan we set in place," he said by phone from his offseason home in Phoenix. "I give the players a lot of credit for playing hard and believing in what we were trying to do. I appreciate their effort and
my staff's effort."
Vinny also confirmed that no discussions had yet taken place on a long term deal with the franchise.
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