The Clippers have a very deep roster, so deep that Tyronn Lue doesn’t even consider forcing any of his pieces above the established plan.
Right on that stage two high-level veterans like John Wall and Robert Covington move. The first, after playing only 40 games in the last three seasons, is limited both by the minutes on the floor and by the fact of not playing the second games of the back-to-backs. The second is averaging just 13.8 minutes a night, the lowest mark since he was a rookie; What’s more, there are nights when he doesn’t even take the field. They are angry? Nope.
As is normal for any athlete, both want to contribute more and play as much as possible, but they also understand that no one has cheated on them. By signing with the Clippers, they knew the team plan with them and for now they are sticking to it. This is how Wall explains it, who is showing a fantastic physical level at the start of the campaign.»
“It’s frustrating but, like I said, it’s part of the plan and the program they gave me, so I’m totally on board. Also, I don’t think people expected me to be as good as I’ve been since the beginning of the season. I think I have shown that the more minutes I have, the better my game is », he expresses.
The truth is that Wall’s impact on the team is becoming a reality. According to data from Cleaning The Glass, the Clippers’ transitions that start with a rebound when Wall is on the floor are 28 more points per 100 possessions than when he’s sitting down. Yes, he has given the attack a rhythm that they lacked in past courses. Despite this, Lue insists on being patient.
“We just have to keep in mind that he hasn’t played in two years and as good as he’s been for us so far this season, it’s only his 13th or 14th game in two years. It will take some time for the situation to change. We understood his needs and the reality is that he is playing much better than I expected at the beginning of the season,” he says.
Covington, same line
Going from being a regular starter and around 30 minutes, to seeing you sitting down even entire games, should not be easy; However, Robert Covington, who signed a two-year, $24 million extension with the Angels, understands that this is normal given the depth of the roster, so he will always be ready when needed.
“It’s a long season and we have so much talent and depth that I know there will be times when people will play and others when they won’t. He knew what was coming and he knew what to expect at certain times. I am not the type of person who is going to complain too much, I will sit there and be ready when they call my number », he concludes.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
