Analyzing which LA Clippers’ guards should be in the playoff rotation

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Marcus Morris Sr. #8 and Rajon Rondo #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers react to a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Marcus Morris Sr. #8 and Rajon Rondo #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers react to a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 04: Rajon Rondo #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during warm ups before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 04: Rajon Rondo #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during warm ups before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Having too many players that can contribute might not seem like a problem at first glance but when teams are attempting to set their playoff rotations in stone, having to make a decision about who should and shouldn’t play becomes difficult. This rings true for the LA Clippers and their guards.

When the postseason comes around, we have to assume that head coach Ty Lue rolls with an eight to nine man rotation. Here are the ones we know will be in that grouping assuming everyone is healthy.

That’s already six players leaving room for five guards to take 2-3 spots. The five guards:

With the exception of Rondo, who was just acquired by the team, each and every guard has played meaningful minutes for the LA Clippers this season. Each also brings positives and negatives to the team meaning Ty Lue will have to weigh his options carefully.

Which guards will be part of the LA Clippers’ playoff rotation?

Let’s start with the easy one.

LA Clippers Guard: Rajon Rondo

We all know that “Playoff Rondo” is regarded as a real thing. The team didn’t trade away Lou Williams and draft picks to bring Rondo in only to not play him in the postseason.

While he hasn’t really been impressive in his time with Atlanta this season nor particularly in his debut with the Clippers on Sunday, there’s still hope that he can be a positive contributor in the playoffs when the game slows down.

He’s going to get minutes whether it be with the starting group or leading a group of reserves alongside one of the Clippers’ two superstars.

There’s no reason Ty Lue won’t play him in meaningful minutes during the playoffs so we can write him down in ink as a member of the rotation.