The Los Angeles Clippers season can be described in any number of ways. Unfortunately for the fans though, absolutely none of them can be spun positively.
Between injuries, off-court drama, and the Chris Paul situation, the only way to go is… up, right? The latest news from LA now is that starting center Ivica Zubac is slated to miss several weeks with a Grade 2 ankle sprain.
One of the most consistent players over the last few years, his absence will likely be felt from the get-go. But with the star big man going down, there is now a golden opportunity for the team’s veteran backup.
Across his time on the floor, the 37-year-old amassed 11 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. The veteran has averaged career-lows across the board, playing nearly 18 less minutes per game than he did with the Milwaukee Bucks a season ago.
The playing time has all but dwindled, but he is now suddenly the top big man here. Things can change at the drop of a hat, and these are the situations that players have to stay ready for.
In a season where things are looking like this, a team will take a win wherever they can find it
One thing Lopez is known for, is the ability to space the floor and sink threes. This has been the case from his final years with the Nets, into his lone season with the Lakers. And from there, he became one of the biggest 7-foot floor-spacers in league history in Milwaukee.
With a bit of a longer leash expected over the next couple of weeks, perhaps the Stanford alum’s confidence will rise. After all, he is the leading scorer in Nets history for a reason.
On the first year of a 2-year, $18 million contract, Brook Lopez will finally have the chance to really prove his value. This season marked the first time since his lone LA campaign, that he was used in a reserve role. The minutes he has gotten have not been great, but he can put those on the back burner.
Having a floor-spacing center opens things up for everybody else. Amidst all of the losing, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard have continued to play at a high level. And with Lopez spacing the floor for them, a few more assists per night could not be available.
Teams have been inquiring about the two superstars and their availability, but seemingly getting rebuffed. With that, it does not seem any additional changes will be made in the coming weeks.
Lopez playing good ball can go a long way for this team. The future does remain in flux here, but perhaps strong play from the vet can give the team a some enjoyable victories in the coming contests.
