The problems that derailed the Clippers' season are more systemic, beginning with a locker room culture that never developed, an identity that never formed, and a shocking lack of leadership that allowed some players to inexplicably ask Dunleavy for a day off after the team's 93-91 victory against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 25.
It was only their 15 th win of the season, and two nights later the team lost to Sacramento, the only team in the NBA that finished with a record worse than theirs.
It's a hard admission to make, an even harder feeling to take into the offseason, but even in private moments, on their way out the door of the team's training facility Thursday, several players acknowledged the complicated nature of the problem that caused the team to endure its worst season in nine years.
"You can put this on the record," forward Al Thornton said. "No, I don't think we need a new coach. I think we have a really good coach. It think it's up to us to buy in, as a whole, to what he's selling. I really don't think it's him."
So it's the players then?
"I don't know if I'd say it's all on the players (either)," Thornton said.
Davis told Dunleavy he wants to meet with him frequently over the summer so he can, in Dunleavy's words, "learn to think like me."
After a rocky start to his homecoming dance in Los Angeles, that would be a great start.
For better or worse, Dunleavy and Davis are likely stuck with each other for a while: the coach for as long as he keeps his job; Davis for as long as his weighty contract looks like a toxic asset to potential trading partners.
The good news is, both men seem to realize it. Dunleavy so he doesn't become the next Isiah Thomas, Davis so he doesn't become the next Stephon Marbury.
"I've had more meetings with him than any player I've ever had," Dunleavy said. "As far as sit-downs where you're trying to get a focus and understanding.
"The bottom line is, a lot of our success is on him. Health-wise, conditioning, the ability to push a ball and attack the rim, shoot a higher percentage. Those are all things he'd done in the past that need to start happening."
"I haven't had my meeting with him yet, but I know from meetings we have had, he says he's very committed to doing that."
All of which sounds like a pretty decent plan.
All of which will mean nothing unless it's put into action.
Ramona Shelburne, DailyNews
