NBA journeyman P.J. Tucker had some attention-grabbing feedback in regards to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this week about there not being sufficient basketballs to meet the workforce’s wants. In fact, he’s referring to his Clippers lately including James Harden to a roster that already included Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook.
“There’s not sufficient basketballs on the planet for this workforce, actually,” Tucker stated.”
Whereas that’s prone to find yourself being the understatement of the yr, after a tough begin with Harden, the Clippers have begun to proper the ship. The Clippers are 7-8 with Harden on the court docket since he and Tucker had been acquired from Philadelphia. The workforce misplaced their first 5 video games of Harden’s tenure, they’ve bounced again, successful seven of 10 since then.
In fact, their successful now makes it secure for many who’d already written them off to leap again on the Clippers bandwagon. Certain, they might show to be formidable throughout elements of the common season, however when it comes all the way down to it, they’ll fall brief, as ordinary. Their getting scorching solely serves to reel followers in and provides them hope earlier than the autumn flat on their faces. It’s the inevitable destiny of any workforce relying closely on Harden.
If these 4 future Corridor of Famers can proceed to play “good,” they might probably make up some floor out west. However as ordinary, the principle problem for this LA squad is well being. If the vast majority of their key elements keep on the ground, they’ve bought a shot at competing within the Western Convention. Does well being alone assure they’ll go far? No. However they’d have a preventing probability.
As for Tucker, the veteran and NBA champion looks as if nothing greater than a “throw-in” within the Harden commerce. Over the past 4 video games, Tucker has been listed as DNP (didn’t play). In different phrases, the coach determined he couldn’t play him. Like most 38-year-old NBA position gamers, Tucker’s finest days are behind him, though he is without doubt one of the dirty-work guys each roster wants. He’s by no means been a star, however all the time a participant who might hit well timed pictures and be an enforcer, even in an period the place that phrase is frowned upon.
In time, Tucker will discover his spot on this workforce, but it surely’s uncertain it’ll contain him seeing a couple of or two pictures per sport. In 12 video games with the Clippers, Tucker is taking part in about 14 minutes per sport and taking one shot. There’s a purpose he made that remark to Sam Amick of The Athletic about not having sufficient balls to share in LA.
Nevertheless, once you’re not even touching the court docket, getting pictures might be the very last thing to fret about. Tucker brings a few of that toughness a workforce like this might use, but when Tyron Lue isn’t taking part in him, it’s doubtless for good purpose. This might be a case of Tucker lastly hitting that wall all professional athletes run into and Lue noticing a change. Or Lue might be eager to preserve Tucker, understanding they’ll want his edge down the highway. Both approach, the Clippers ought to be an intriguing roller-coaster journey all season.
