The NBA just lately introduced new guidelines aimed toward curbing the pattern of resting stars. The rule was instantly seen as a response to groups just like the LA Clippers, who’ve been identified to relaxation their star gamers Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in hopes of preserving them. Now, they are going to be unable to relaxation each gamers on the identical night time, which can power them to be extra strategic when sitting Kawhi and George.
Whereas Clippers coach Tyron Lue has acknowledged his objective of getting his two stars take the common season extra severely, each gamers do have in depth damage histories. Because of this, the truth is that neither is prone to play 70 video games in a season, not to mention the total 82-game schedule. That would quickly put the Clippers at odds with the NBA.
How the NBA’s new rule may very well be a double-edged sword for the Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers will quickly need to suppose twice about when to provide their two greatest gamers a relaxation, and it may very well be a double-edged sword. The brand new guidelines are supposed to make it tougher for groups to take a seat their wholesome stars, which might result in stars enjoying extra video games. That’s clearly a great factor, in idea, and for LA, that would result in extra wins, with Kawhi and George extra accessible.
That may additionally probably result in a greater seed and a extra advantageous playoff matchup. In fact, the Clippers’ level of resting them is in order that they are going to be wholesome for the postseason, and enjoying extra video games might reduce the chance of that occuring.
Alternatively, the counterpoint can be that even with the quantity of relaxation Lue has given them, it hasn’t resulted in them each being wholesome come playoff time. Lue in all probability already is aware of that by now, which has led to him placing extra emphasis on the common season going ahead.
All in all, the NBA’s new rule impacts the Clippers greater than every other crew, given the well being of their two stars. Nevertheless, Kawhi and George had been in all probability going to relaxation much less subsequent season anyway, however the brand new rule does complicate after they can.
Printed on 09/14/2023 at 12:30 PM EDTLast up to date on 09/14/2023 at 12:30 PM EDT
