NBA Los Angeles Clippers

Doc Rivers’ Player Rotations Will Hinder Los Angeles Clippers

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By @Terri7589

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Getty Images

In every Los Angeles Clippers game, there is a point when the camera pans the bench and many fans may be unfamiliar with the players sitting at the back end of the bench. These are the faces of players who don’t see much playing time. Players who aren’t given the chance to take the court due to the Clippers poor play in many of their games keep the starters on the floor.

These faces are that of forward Ekpe Udoh, guard Jared Cunningham, and sometimes even guard Reggie Bullock. The team’s early season struggles are more than likely the reason as to why these players haven’t seen much playing time, but the rotations of head coach Doc Rivers are the most apparent reason to many fans.

It is obvious that Rivers doesn’t use all the men on his 15-man roster. There are currently seven players averaging less than 15 minutes per game on the roster. Due to their lack of playing time, there is no way to see how they would fare if they were to receive some adequate playing time.

Rivers doesn’t have a reason to trust these players but, in turn, he doesn’t have a reason not to. Udoh only averages 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds for his career. Cunningham’s numbers are even worse averaging two points and 0.4 assists for his career.

Bullock, who was used a replacement starter in Matt Barnes’ absence, is only averaging 3 points and .2 assists this season. Just because their averages are low, doesn’t mean these players can’t exceed their own averages. Also, every point counts in an NBA game. If Udoh, Cunningham and Bullock played enough minutes to score just their career/ season averages, then the Clippers would be 14-3 instead of 12-5 right now and a true threat to the Golden State Warriors. 

It doesn’t make sense to have a 15-man roster where only eight players ever get substantial minutes. In the NBA, every minute should be earned. No one knows what these players aren’t showing Rivers to earn permanent court side seats, but for the sake of player fatigue and the Clippers record, these reserve players better prove to Rivers that they can make positive game changing moves before trade whispers become trade talks.

Terri Washington is a Los Angeles Clippers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @Terri7589, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.

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