The LA Clippers are still trying to find their way after trading for James Harden. Starting 0-5 with Harden, the Clippers made a starting lineup change that didn’t automatically fix their problems, but began moving some things in the right direction.
Letting Russell Westbrook run the bench unit, the Clippers were hopeful that both he and James Harden would benefit from being split up, and while that didn’t happen right away, both players have looked more comfortable in recent games. As Ty Lue continued to reiterate, the Clippers liked much of what they saw from their starting lineup change, but still needed to tweak their second unit to get the right combinations around Westbrook. Making a change to the rotation, Lue opted for rookie Kobe Brown over PJ Tucker in Wednesday night’s win over the Sacramento Kings.
Tucker’s minutes had been trending down the two games prior to this DNP on Wednesday, playing just 8 minutes vs. Dallas, and 6 minutes vs. Denver. Not a great fit next to Westbrook since he is no longer a respected shooter, Tucker is an even worse fit next to Westbrook and a non-shooting center - particularly Ivica Zubac.
The trio of Tucker, Westbrook, and Zubac has posted a -60.0 net rating in their 26 minutes together, and the eye test supports the clunky fit. Opting for the rookie Brown in Tucker’s place on Wednesday, coach Lue told reporters after the game that Brown will be in the rotation moving forward as the Clippers take a longer look at the lineups they used in this win.
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