Several sources say Clippers' GM Neil Olshey never considered firing Vinny Del Negro, who was the subject of multiple rumors about his imminent departure.

“I’ve watched too many times where a front office brings in its own players, and the coaches aren’t on board and you end up with a separation of church and state,” Olshey said. “This was always our team.”

Olshey also went out of his way to consult with Del Negro in choosing the roster as he constructed this team around Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.