2. Lue’s rotations
While a strong winners mentality stands for the LA Clippers, the minutes of players like Brandon Boston Jr, Amir Coffey, Luke Kennard, and several others remain uncertain. In only 48 minutes of basketball, there are only so many options Lue can look to when pushing for a win.
However, this is a great problem to have. This means that the LA Clippers have a handful of players who can contribute on a nightly basis. With this just being game one of the season, many months lie ahead. Injuries and illnesses are bound to happen, giving each player on the roster a chance to succeed.
The two-way wing Robert Covington is one player whose minutes should be monitored. Without Leonard last season, Covington only played 22.1 minutes per game since joining the Clippers at the trade deadline. This number should be much higher as his impact is significantly important.
Covington has some of the best hands in the league, giving the Clippers many more opportunities on the offensive end. In addition, he can shoot the basketball alongside the best of the best. In 23 games played for the LA Clippers last season, Covington shot 45.0% from three on 4.7 attempts per game.
These numbers are similar to Kennard, as well as some of the best shooters in the NBA. Covington should be playing at least 25 minutes per game, if not more. Lue could use his contributions as he can guard any position on the floor.
Along with Covington, fans should also track the minutes of Leonard as this is his first NBA game in over a year. Lue will be extremely cautious with his minutes, especially if the LA Clippers can win this game by a significant margin.