Doc Rivers addresses Bill Simmons’ critical tweet about Spencer Hawes

Bill Simmons, editor-in-chief of the website Grantland, tweeted Dec. 19 that the Clippers’ decision to sign 7-foot-1 Spencer Hawes instead of small forward Paul Pierce was a mistake.

Wrote Simmons: “Biggest summer mistake was the Clips signing Hawes instead of Pierce (who wanted to go to LA). Pretty sure they’d do that one over.”

Clippers Coach Doc Rivers addressed Simmons’ statement at Friday’s practice, and apparently they wouldn’t do anything over.

“He’s got it wrong and that’s all I’ll say,” Rivers said.

Hawes, who returned to the court Dec. 29 against the Utah Jazz after missing nine games because of a bone bruise in his left knee, has averaged 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 17.1 minutes this season, below his career averages of 9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 24.5 minutes.

Pierce is averaging 13 points and 4.5 rebounds in 27 minutes a game for Washington this season. Over his 17-season career, he’s averaged 21.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 35.8 minutes.

Rivers said that Hawes adds a lot to the team, and the coach has praised the backup center’s willingness to play in a reserve role.

“I’m sure I’ve made more mistakes, but that ain’t one of them,” Rivers said of Hawes. “Let me put it that way.”