Clippers introduce Doc Rivers as coach, look to NBA draft

The Clippers had a big day Wednesday when they introduced Doc Rivers, who became the team’s coach and senior vice president of basketball operations.

The Clippers hope to have another big day Thursday during the NBA draft.

They have a first-round pick at No. 25, a selection the Clippers hope will benefit the team.

PHOTOS: Doc Rivers introduced as Clippers coach

Gary Sacks, the Clippers’ vice president of basketball operations, said they enter the draft looking for an athletic and defensive-minded wing player, or someone with a good outside shot who can help improve their bench.

The Clippers also won’t rule out picking a point guard because of the possibility they might trade backup point guard Eric Bledsoe over the summer.

“I think the best way to go about it is to identify what your team needs are,” Sacks said, “but also be ready to take the best player if someone is there that you feel you really can’t pass up on.”

Several NBA executives, who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, believe the Clippers most likely will draft one of the wing players who worked out for the team.

The executives said the Clippers have their eye on Reggie Bullock, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound small forward from North Carolina; Tim Hardaway Jr., a 6-6, 185-pound shooting guard from Michigan; Tony Snell, a 6-7, 200-pound swingman from New Mexico; and James Ennis, a 6-7, 201-pound small forward from Long Beach State.

The Clippers also like Isaiah Canaan, a 6-1, 195-pound point guard from Murray State.

Sacks will get some help from Rivers in the draft, as well as on possible trades and on players they decide to pursue via free agency.

“At the end of the day, that’s going to be a group decision,” Sacks said. “I think Doc will have the final say, but I think he’ll rely on all of us.”

broderick.turner@latimes.com

Twitter: @BA_Turner