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Los Angeles Clippers: 3 long-term rotation decisions Rivers must figure out soon

By Aymin Bakr

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 9: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers shakes hands with Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers against the Denver Nuggets during a pre-season game on October 9, 2018 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 9: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers shakes hands with Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers against the Denver Nuggets during a pre-season game on October 9, 2018 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Playing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander more

While this isn’t necessarily the largest decision Rivers will need to make, since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is only a rookie on an already solid and deep team, this will definitely require some thought. As of right now, SGA is playing 24.8 minutes per contest while his competition, Patrick Beverley, is playing 24.0.

While Beverley is more experienced and a better defender, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 2.5 more points and only 1.2 fewer assists while shooting a whopping 16.8 percent better from the field and 12.5 percent better from beyond the arc, in essentially the same amount of minutes. Furthermore, SGA is taking 6.3 shots per contest while Beverley is taking almost exactly the same amount at 6.6 after 9 games.

Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t a bad defender either. His length and athleticism have proven to be effective enough to stay in front of opposition and he’s got active hands. Considering that he’s expected to play a big role in the future of the franchise while Beverley is likely on his way out after this season, Rivers may elect to give SGA a greater role as the season progresses.

A lot can change throughout the course of the year and the NBA has certainly had some strange trends as of late, but Gilgeous-Alexander has proven to be a lot more effective thus far and may be the better fit overall if this team wants to win more games this season.

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