Clippers assistant coach Kevin Eastman retires

The Clippers announced the retirement of assistant coach Kevin Eastman, a longtime lieutenant of Coach Doc Rivers who had also spent one season as vice president of basketball operations with the Clippers.

Eastman, 61, had previously served as an assistant on Rivers’ staff with the Boston Celtics for eight years.

“Kevin has one of the best basketball minds I have ever been around,” Rivers said in a statement. “After much deliberation, he has decided to move forward with his goals and aspirations to impact the game through speaking and consulting on all levels. Kevin has been an integral part of the Clippers’ success and culture, and his unparalleled loyalty will be greatly missed.”

Eastman has been involved in college and professional basketball for 31 years, including stints as the head coach at Washington State and North Carolina Wilmington.