There remains optimism around Clippers starts with availability Darius Garland lead the attack for the whole season, writes Kelly Icko of Yahoo Sports. The 26-year-old point guard was dealing with a lingering toe injury when he arrived from Cleveland in February, but he was still effective in the 19 games he played, averaging 19.9 points and 6.4 assists in helping Los Angeles secure a playoff berth.
Iko expects his presence to benefit shooters, for example Max Strusa former teammate of Garland’s in Cleveland who was purchased last month in a five-team deal involving Peyton Watson. Iko also suggests that Garland can help revive it Grady Dickwhich is included in the composition waiting Kawhi Leonard of trade from Toronto. Dick showed promise in his first two years in the NBA before drastically reducing his minutes last season.
Ico points out that the team’s defense will likely take a big step back one day Brandon Ingram arrives to replace Leonardo in the starting lineup. He believes that this explains the urgency of signing the Clippers. Rui Hachimura from the Lakers as a free agent.
There are more from the Pacific Division:
- Ben Simmons has enough to focus on his comeback attempt without being asked to serve as a mentor The necklaces‘ junior players, state Jason Jones of The Athletic. Simmons, who agreed with a one year contract from Sacramento on Friday, unable to offer advice after his career has gone sideways over the past few years, Jones added. Appearing on Sactown Sports 1140 (Link to Twitter), Mark J. ESPN’s Spears speculates that Simmons would like to extend the deal beyond a year if this season is successful. “If they give him the opportunity and he’s doing well and he wants them back, they want him back and rightfully so, I think he’d like to stay.” – said Spears.
- Ginny Bass has an outside chance of staying Lakers“governor if she can purchase enough shares to keep her ownership at 15%, according to Hobie Price of The New York Post. Minority colleagues Patrick Soon-Shiong and Ed Rosky Jr supports the retention of Bass in this position, according to a legal filing last month in a Los Angeles court, but they are not interested in selling their shares, which together make up 7%.
- After sanctioned by the league against the Clippers, Warriors forward Draymond Green questions the value of the NBA, which has a salary cap, relay Luca Evans of The San Francisco Chronicle (subscriber link). “I think it follows that” Green said on his podcast (Link to YouTube). “Why is there a salary cap? Why are guys prevented from making money from team sponsors or league sponsors or whoever?” What we’re talking about is that we’re in a league that’s player-focused, player-driven, player-driven, has the best benefits, the most interest for the players. And here’s a situation where a guy can make $20 million to $30 million extra, and we say, “Oh, yeah, you’re in trouble.” I’m happy Kawhi didn’t get most of that punishment. I think it’s absolutely beautiful.”
