The 2013 NBA draft Thursday night was a glorious affair. It was full of unexpected surprises, trades and rejoicing fans.

However, it was the heated exchange between an NBA coach and an analyst, and the resulting Twitter backlash, that was most memorable.

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Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, Jalen Rose and Bill Simmons were the ESPN analysts covering last night's events, sharing their opinions on the pros and cons of each player drafted. During the telecast, the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets completed a blockbuster trade that sent Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry to Brooklyn. In exchange, the Celtics received Gerald Wallace, Kris Joseph, Kris Humphries, Marshon Brooks and Keith Bogans, as well as three first-round picks in 2014, 2016, and 2018.

Then, things escalated. After the announcement, ESPN reporter Shelley Smith interviewed former Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who's now the head coach and VP of Operations of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Simmons, a diehard Boston-sports fan, has often criticized Rivers, even moreso after abruptly leaving Boston and opting for the Clippers this past month.

In addition to asking Rivers what he thought about the Clippers selection of Reggie Bullock, the 26th draft pick in the draft, Smith also also sought his opinion on Simmons' idea that he "quit on the Celtics:"

Doc Rivers on Bill Simmons just now, on ESPN: "I would like to call him an idiot but I'm too classy for that." #ouch — SI NBA (@si_nba) June 28, 2013

Smith then sent it back to the ESPN set, where the analysts sat awkwardly and on edge. Simmons, noticeably frustrated, gave his own two cents on the matter.

Simmons responds to Doc Rivers: "The truth keeps changing [re: his Celtics exit] When he sticks to a story, I'll believe the truth." — SI NBA (@si_nba) June 28, 2013

The full exchange can be viewed on YouTube:

But it didn't stop there. Shortly thereafter, Jeremiah Rivers, Doc's son and former point guard at Georgetown University, unleashed a series of tweets aimed at Simmons and his character.

@BillSimmons @espn My father has never quit anything in his life. He now has an NBA Championship, and helped in rejuvenating the Celtics. — Jeremiah Rivers (@JRivers25) June 28, 2013

@BillSimmons @espn That’s why he is 3rd winningest coach in Celtics history. Those are just credentials, but you already know this. — Jeremiah Rivers (@JRivers25) June 28, 2013

@BillSimmons @espn Your the same guy who was trying to run my dad out of town when it seemed like the Celtics were down and out. — Jeremiah Rivers (@JRivers25) June 28, 2013

@BillSimmons @espn Then you praised him like GOD himself when he helped turn things around. Where is your loyalty. — Jeremiah Rivers (@JRivers25) June 28, 2013

@BillSimmons @espn You know nothing about winning, about sacrifice, and being a champion. You sit behind a desk and pick on people. — Jeremiah Rivers (@JRivers25) June 28, 2013

@BillSimmons @espn .You are a Internet bully. There is a reason nobody will side with you. They like my dad better than you. — Jeremiah Rivers (@JRivers25) June 28, 2013

@BillSimmons @espn Magic, Wilbon, Shaq, Ernie, etc… They know my father and they know about being a professional at the highest LEVEL. — Jeremiah Rivers (@JRivers25) June 28, 2013

@BillSimmons @espn If you don’t have all the facts, which you clearly DON’T, I suggest you sit down and shut up. Good day sir. — Jeremiah Rivers (@JRivers25) June 28, 2013

What do you think were the standout moments of the NBA draft last night? Let us know in the comments section below.

Homepage image courtesy of Flickr, Keith Allison