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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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Lou Williams taking priority over Avery Bradley

Lou Williams shocked the world last season when he erupted seemingly out of nowhere for an All-Star caliber season. While many should’ve seen it coming for the most part, 2017-18 changed the public view of Williams from a high-level reserve to among the NBA’s best shooting guards.

While he’s found success with the sixth man role throughout his career and will continue to do so this season, he certainly hasn’t gotten the minutes that he’s had previously. Injuries definitely played a part in his boosted minutes last year, but Williams has proven time and time again that he is a go-to scorer for this team.

Last season saw the 6’1″ guard play a career high 32.8 minutes per contest, yet as of right now, he’s only receiving an average of 23.8. Meanwhile, Avery Bradley is playing 27.4 minutes a night. In lesser minutes, Williams is still averaging an impressive 19.0 points per game so, in theory, more minutes could lead to a high-level scoring season and potentially more wins, considering his ability to score in crunch time.

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Because Bradley is a starter, it makes sense that he’s taking priority minutes-wise for the time being. However, as the season progresses, the Clippers may soon realize they’ll need the offensive fire power of Williams more and more.

A recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers proved that point pretty well. The Clippers trailed by 15 at the end of the first half and Williams had just 10 points.

After the half, the Clippers went on a run and ended the third quarter down 90-86, while Lou only pitched in two more points. Although they couldn’t pull off the comeback upset, Williams erupted for 14 points in the fourth quarter alone and helped to keep the game close the majority of that period.

Bradley is by far the superior defender, but his offensive game has been relatively lackluster so far as he’s averaging just 7.1 points per game on a mere 35.0 percent shooting from the field and 25.9 percent shooting from behind the 3-point line.

As per usual, this is definitely subject to change but Rivers will need to decide if giving Williams similar minutes to last season will benefit the win column sooner rather than later. Keep in mind that prioritizing Williams doesn’t mean starting him, just giving him more minutes than his competition.

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