New Clippers Business Executive Reportedly "Stepping on Doc Rivers' Toes"

A couple weeks ago, Bill Simmons went on a mild, non-specific tweeting binge about dysfunction behind the scenes in the Clippers organization — “it’s a laundry list of things” — before concluding: “I’m gonna be interested to see which reporter jeopardizes their long-term access/connections to write the story… [because] it’s coming.”

TMZ followed up the lead, and reports that at least one of the frictional aspects Simmons was alluding to involves Gillian Zucker, who owner Steve Ballmer hired as president of team business operations last November. Allegedly, Zucker has been weighing in on basketball decisions to the extent that “several players and key staffers feel she’s not just stepping on Doc Rivers’ toes, but she’s creating a divide … leaving many wondering who’s really calling the shots in Clipperland.”

The report further details:

Zucker and Clippers V.P. of communications Seth Burton offered less forceful denials than one would expect about such a report, regardless of its veracity, and essentially pled ignorance. Meanwhile, Doc Rivers (who, it should be noted, has not distinguished himself as a GM) was not quoted on the record, which, given the tone and content of the story, makes a skeptic wonder if he may have had input off it.

In any event, this still feels like it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The leaks have only just begun.

[Photo via Getty]