The immobility of Brook Lopez has been a consistent trend since his debut as an LA Clipper. Fans have seen and recognized it as a weakness in the gameplan, yet Tyronn Lue didn’t seem to find the urge for a change until the early stages of the Clippers’ three-point win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Lue evidently caught on to the flaw, and as a result, he began the second half with Isaiah Jackson in the starting lineup.
Lue didn’t look back either. Jackson ended the contest playing more than double the minutes Lopez did (did not play the entire third), and if the switch had not been made, Memphis would’ve easily come away with the win, forcing brutal losses on back-to-back nights for the Clippers.
Lopez and Jackson may be two different kinds of centers, but the reaction time and quickness one possesses versus the other one that doesn't is make-or-break. This leaves the decision obvious about who the starting center should be moving forward, and Lue can capitalize on his realization by putting it into effect.
The starting five is calling Isaiah Jackson’s name
Logically speaking, Tyronn Lue should choose Isaiah Jackson, who is 13 years younger, to start over Brook Lopez, right? Well, Jackson’s case to win the role, outside of just age, got even stronger against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jackson recorded 12 points, 12 rebounds(game-high), two steals, and a block, shooting 6-10 from the field. He had an amazing night, and it took place in a game the Clippers could not afford to lose. However, the context behind Jackson’s performance is worth noting.
In the first half, in the second unit, Jackson went scoreless, missed two free throws, did decent damage on the glass, and essentially tried his best to do what was asked of him. This is all he’s done from the day he arrived in LA.
The storyline changed right as Jackson realized Lue was confident enough in him to start him in the third quarter. From then onwards, he posted all of his points, grabbed eight boards, and left an impact that was much-needed.
Jackson clearly fits like a glove with the lineup led by Darius Garland and Kawhi Leonard, and with him, there is burst, agility, lateral speed, and a faster-paced style of play.
These reasons, and, more importantly, a second-half argument, should be taken into account by Lue. With the New York Knicks on the schedule next, an adjustment must materialize immediately.