Although head coach Tyronn Lue has likely already orchestrated the LA Clippers' playoff rotation, each player, in or out, is constantly reminded to remain ready for an enlarged opportunity. This is reiterated because injuries are unpredictable, and depending on the opponent, some players may show more confidence and poise than the rest.
Furthermore, the example many fans tend to be drawn back to is Terance Mann in 2021. He went through inconsistent minutes against the Utah Jazz in the postseason, but after Kawhi Leonard injured his knee, Mann was thrown into the starting five.
Moreover, though the entire roster should prepare like their opportunity will arise tomorrow, there are certain players Lue should bench if he wants to enter championship territory. Their weaknesses significantly outweigh everything else.
3. Drew Eubanks
The LA Clippers wanted a backup center at the trade deadline, and in talks with the Utah Jazz, executive Lawrence Frank requested their wishes to be fulfilled. Hence, the Jazz happily included Drew Eubanks.
As a Clipper, he has averaged 2.8 points and 2.5 boards, shooting 55.1% from the floor. Additionally, his net rating in 7.7 minutes per game is -1.8.
Due to his on-court drawbacks, Eubanks can still set the tone with his presence by being vocal, making suggestions, and providing encouragement, similar to Patty Mills.
2. Kobe Brown
Kobe Brown has the size to evolve to the NBA level, but his skillset and IQ need attention. Brown, on occasion, can shoot the three, but he is too inconsistent to be given time in a postseason environment.
Brown has averaged 1.9 points this season in 6.8 minutes, shooting 23.1% from beyond the arc.
In fact, before April 5th, Brown's last three-point make was January 20th. He went 0-12 on attempts in between this span.
1. Amir Coffey
Amir Coffey's performance with the LA Clippers this season is living proof that a player should not be evaluated based on stats. That is not to say averages are unimportant, but coaches must discuss the share of minutes if a player fails the eye test.
Coffey is an elite three-point shooter who can play at all three levels, but when it comes to defensive impact, the argument to sub him in meaningful moments plummets significantly.
In 71 regular-season games, Coffey has a defensive rating of 110.4, tied with Drew Eubanks, and a net rating of -1.0.
This shows why Tyronn Lue would be heavily mistaken if he included the former undrafted free agent in any playoff scenario.