Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers, who is taking his NBA team to China for a pair of exhibition games, says if given a choice he would rather keep his players at home.
“No, I’d never go,” Rivers told the Los Angeles Times when asked if the two-game trip was something he was in favour of.
The Clippers are expected to fly on Wednesday to China where they are playing the Charlotte Hornets Saturday in Shenzhen and then three days later in Shanghai.
Asked what he is looking forward to the most about visiting the region, Rivers quipped: “The flight coming home.”
Besides the exhibition contests, the Clippers are also scheduled to take part in some community events in those cities that will include NBA legend and Hornets owner Michael Jordan.
American Rivers said when it comes to international travel he likes it when his team travels to places like Rome because of the historical significance.
“Going to the Vatican, going to the Colosseum it was like warrior stuff,” he said. “You couldn’t have scripted a more perfect place for a team that had championship aspirations to go to.”
Clippers star forward Blake Griffin also wasn’t thrilled about the trip because he says he has already visited China.
“Personally I like going to new places,” Griffin said.
Not everyone was opposed to the trip though. Guard Lance Stephenson sees it as a chance to learn about a different culture and make some friends.
“Just going to experience a new culture and enjoy it,” Stephenson was quoted as saying. “I know we’re rock stars out there. Just going to have fun and embrace it and meet new people.”
After finishing up in China the Clippers don’t play again until October 20 at home against the Golden State Warriors.