NBA journeyman P.J. Tucker had some fascinating feedback in regards to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this week about there not being sufficient basketballs to satisfy the crew’s wants. In fact, he’s referring to his Clippers recently adding James Harden to a roster that already included Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook.
“There’s not enough basketballs on the planet for this team, really,” Tucker said.”
Whereas that’s more likely to find yourself being the understatement of the 12 months, after a tough begin with Harden, the Clippers have begun to proper the ship. The Clippers are 7-8 with Harden on the court since he and Tucker had been acquired from Philadelphia. The crew misplaced their first 5 games of Harden’s tenure, they’ve bounced back, profitable seven of 10 since then.
In fact, their profitable now makes it protected for individuals who’d already written them off to leap again on the Clippers bandwagon. Certain, they might show to be formidable throughout components of the common season, however when it comes right down to it, they’ll fall quick, as normal. 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 crew relying closely on Harden.
If these 4 future Corridor of Famers can proceed to play “nice,” they may doubtlessly make up some floor out west. However as normal, the primary 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 combating likelihood.
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 function gamers, Tucker’s greatest days are behind him, though he is likely one of the dirty-work guys each roster wants. He’s by no means been a star, however at all times a participant who might hit well timed photographs and be an enforcer, even in an period the place that phrase is frowned upon.
In time, Tucker will discover his spot on this crew, however it’s uncertain it’ll contain him seeing multiple or two photographs per recreation. In 12 video games with the Clippers, Tucker is enjoying about 14 minutes per recreation and taking one shot. There’s a motive he made that remark to Sam Amick of The Athletic about not having sufficient balls to share in LA.
Nonetheless, once you’re not even touching the court docket, getting photographs might be the very last thing to fret about. Tucker brings a few of that toughness a crew like this might use, but when Tyron Lue isn’t enjoying him, it’s doubtless for good motive. This may very well be a case of Tucker lastly hitting that wall all professional athletes run into and Lue noticing a change. Or Lue may very well be desirous to preserve Tucker, figuring out they’ll want his edge down the highway. Both approach, the Clippers needs to be an intriguing roller-coaster journey all season.
