Noah knew Thibodeau was close with Doc Rivers, whom Thibodeau has stayed with for weeks at a time in Los Angeles. He also knew Donovan has a friendly relationship with Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank dating back to their college coaching days in the 90s. “I was like, ‘Can you please call?’” Noah said. “I wanted to be on the Clippers.” Noah even contacted friends of Austin Rivers, hoping Austin could get through to his dad. The full-court press was on. Noah was reported to be linked to other opportunities, including Dallas and Denver, but his internal commitment to the Clippers never swayed.