NBA journeyman P.J. Tucker had some attention-grabbing feedback concerning the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this week about there not being sufficient basketballs to meet 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 sufficient basketballs on the planet for this crew, actually,” Tucker said.”
Whereas that’s more likely 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 since he and Tucker have been acquired from Philadelphia. The crew misplaced their first 5 games of Harden’s tenure, they’ve bounced back, successful seven of 10 since then.
In fact, their successful now makes it protected for many who’d already written them off to leap again on the Clippers bandwagon. Certain, they could show to be formidable throughout elements of the common season, however when it comes right down to it, they’ll fall quick, as standard. Their getting sizzling 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 “good,” they may doubtlessly make up some floor out west. However as standard, the principle challenge for this LA squad is well being. If nearly all of their key parts 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. During the last 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 crew, however it’s uncertain it’ll contain him seeing multiple 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, whenever 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 crew like this might use, but when Tyron Lue isn’t taking part in him, it’s possible for good purpose. This could possibly be a case of Tucker lastly hitting that wall all professional athletes run into and Lue noticing a change. Or Lue could possibly be desirous to preserve Tucker, figuring out they’ll want his edge down the street. Both method, the Clippers ought to be an intriguing roller-coaster experience all season.