National Basketball Association

Rivers on Rondo joining Mavericks: It's 'just what we needed'

Published Dec. 20, 2014 9:09 p.m. ET

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Clippers head coach Doc Rivers wishes one of his former players would have stayed east.

Speaking before Saturday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks, the former Celtics head coach shared his feelings on the Rajon Rondo trade from Boston to the Dallas Mavericks.

"He's going to be great," Rivers said. "I think Rondo is a great player, and I think he becomes better when he's with great players. What he does is make people better."

In Rivers' mind, more star power is the last thing the western conference needs. The Mavericks' acquisition of Rondo immediately makes them a top-tier contender for the NBA title, if the Mark Cuban-owned team wasn't already.

Rondo hasn't been surrounded by this much talent since the Celtics won the NBA title back in 2008, when he was dishing the ball to future Hall of Fame players like Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.

"He makes it easier for the great ones because of his I.Q. and his ability to pass." Rivers said.

The newest Maverick is going to have plenty of options to pass to with a Hall of Fame player on the floor in Dirk Nowitzki, along with great shooters like Monta Ellis and Chandler Parsons.

"Dallas really improved their basketball team, just what we needed." Rivers said with a smile on his face.

The Mavericks and Clippers square off Jan. 10 at Staples Center, a matchup that most certainly will be a must watch.

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