If the LA Clippers want to make another deep playoff run next year, it’s going to take some effective lineup strategy from Head Coach Ty Lue.
Last year, we continued to come back from series deficit after series deficit due to elite coaching and rotation management from Lue, and the same needs to be expected here this upcoming season.
Lue is going to handle the rotations and lineup matchups very well this year. I have no doubt about that. We don’t have to worry about it, but it is worth pointing out what moves Lue needs to make sure he doesn’t make.
No. 3 rotation mistake Coach Ty Lue must avoid: Playing all three rookies at the same time
I love the LA Clippers 2021 draft class. What was there not to love?
That being said, all three of those guys won’t be able to develop at their best levels if they’re all out there together.
Keon Johnson needs a Paul George out there with him so he can get experience playing with another strong defensive wing who can make things happen in the fast break. Johnson will already be spending a lot of time watching and learning from PG on the bench. He should also get his chance to learn from George on the court with him.
As for Brandon Boston, he’s a project. Putting him out there with two other rookies probably isn’t the best idea to help him grow. He’ll need to learn through experience, and I don’t think joining three players who need to learn through experience together is the best idea.
Somebody will have to be able to assist them in facilitating the offense. That’s even with Jason Preston obviously being a point guard. He can still run the point when he’s out there, but it would be best if he was with experienced players when trying to learn this season.
For instance, say Reggie Jackson is out there with him. Preston can run the point with Jackson still out there being a primary facilitator. If the Clips play Johnson and Boston at the same time, there’s no room for Jackson to be out there.