Minutes restrictions are a strategy commonly used to allow a player to play while ensuring they stay healthy. Fans of the LA Clippers have grown accustomed to it with Kawhi Leonard, and with a high success rate, the coaching staff will likely leave it as an option for any injured player trying to make a comeback.
However, Bogdan Bogdanovic is the only player expected to have a limit when he returns, due to the hamstring injury he sustained in the EuroBasket. Yet, multiple players have been prone to injuries in the past that the Clippers will have to monitor closely.
Going down the list, the first major bell is rung with John Collins. He is in the tier of players who are All-Star talents, and could have received the selection had he been healthy enough even to have a case.
Nonetheless, Collins is expected to thrive with the Clippers, but a massive question remains regarding next season and the contract he could receive afterward.
Can the LA Clippers trust John Collins to remain available all season?
John Collins' points, rebounds, and efficiency for the Utah Jazz last season were exceptional, but the LA Clippers cannot get distracted and take their eyes off the number of games he played, which was 40. Collins still deserves credit for dominating, but there would be plenty more where that came from had he at least been on the court for 65.
Moreover, Collins came to the Clippers in the typical three-team trade fashion, and Lawrence Frank has been excited about him from the jump. Although Norman Powell was the moving piece, Frank is hoping the former Wake Forest product will make an impact as a Blake Griffin archetype.
Nevertheless, after the Clippers received Collins, they did not add any depth behind him. He is the projected starting power forward, and Nicolas Batum is the only other one on the roster who can effectively handle the four-man duties.
This indicates that the Clippers have a great deal of confidence in him, which is surprising, given his average of 59 games played over eight seasons. This figure is not a good sign and will not even meet the minimum of 65 for award qualifications.
That said, the Clippers still have some pondering to do, and if they feel that Collins' health is untrustworthy after the regular season begins, the front office will consider signing or trading for someone mid-season to add depth.