Cole Aldrich should be getting more minutes at backup center
Even though Aldrich has had a better opportunity to pick up more minutes in the Clippers’ frontcourt while Griffin is out, he made a solid appearance before the injury occurred. With five points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks in just 13 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 21, he gave a brief glimpse of what he can do in short bursts.
More recently during the time in which Griffin has been out, Aldrich has continued to step up. 10-15 minutes off the bench have equated in some excellent performances, specifically a 13 point, six rebound, three assist, four steal game against the Washington Wizards, and an eight point, nine rebound, two block night in just 11 minutes against the 76ers.
Good things have been happening with Aldrich on the floor, thanks to his energy, defensive instincts, rebounding, and generally just knowing where to be to avoid ruining offensive possessions or allowing easy scores. Which, for the Clippers’ bench this season, hasn’t always been the case. Aldrich, on the other hand, may be limited to the odd cut to the basket or hook shot on offense, but his defense makes a real difference. The offensive rating of opponents has been 10.2 points lower with him in the game this season.
If the Clippers want frontcourt stability, defense, and energy from their second unit, they need to keep giving Aldrich playing time, even when Griffin has returned.
This only makes matters worse for Smith’s fit with the team.
Next: The Clippers have been playing well without him