Following their road win over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night, the LA Clippers have now won 18 of their last 23 games and hold the fourth-best record in the Western Conference. They have truly come a long way from losing their first five games with James Harden on the roster to start November.
One player who has been absent since the Clippers began to turn their season around is Mason Plumlee. Injuring his MCL in LA's win over the Knicks nearly two months ago, the Clippers' backup big man was ruled out until somewhere around the turn of the new year.
Now, Plumlee is getting closer to returning to the floor. But with how much success the team has had running Daniel Theis as their backup center, many are wondering if it is a good idea to switch him out of the rotation.
The fans are not the only ones who have had this thought. Mason Plumlee himself reportedly went to Head Coach Tyronn Lue and discussed his role with the team, even offering to play behind Theis so as not to throw a wrench in the Clippers' consistently strong play as of late.
At shootaround today, LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said that Mason Plumlee approached him recently to tell Lue that he doesn’t want to “mess up” the “good thing” the Clippers have going as the team has won 17 out of their last 22 games, and will gladly sit behind Daniel Theis.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) January 3, 2024
Mason Plumlee offered to play behind Daniel Theis
This is an absolutely huge and incredibly selfless move by the veteran big man. In his eleventh professional season, it is clear that Plumlee could not care less about individual stats or accolades. He is wholeheartedly committed to helping the Clippers achieve as much as they possibly can.
A mindset like this is exactly what is needed in LA this season. On a team with plenty of talent top to bottom, it would be easy for guys to want to stick up for their own abilities and consistently bet on themselves, even when it may not be best for the overall good of the team.
But a winning mentality like the ones Russell Westbrook and now Mason Plumlee have exhibited is precisely what will help maximize the Clippers' potential this season. Championships are never won without sacrifices, and the foundation for a championship-worthy team is being laid by these selfless players.