Clippers coach Doc Rivers isn’t worried about his stars getting out of shape during the NBA’s hiatus, he told ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk and other reporters. “I know (Kawhi Leonard is) overworking. I can guarantee you that,” Rivers said. “And the difference is, during the summer, Kawhi couldn’t work, you know, so now he’s got this break and he’s able to train. The Kawhi we’ll see will be in phenomenal shape. PG (Paul George) is another guy that’s going to be in phenomenal shape.”
We have more from the Western Conference:
- Kings center Harry Giles is likely to be playing elsewhere next season, according to James Ham of NBC Sports Bay Area. His original coaching and training staff are gone and the franchise didn’t pick up his contract option for next season, Ham notes. Giles, who will be an unrestricted free agent, did enough during his opportunities this season to intrigue plenty of teams, Ham adds.
- Big man James Johnson is a solid reserve but not the answer as a starter alongside Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic opines. Johnson gave the club a boost in 14 games after being acquired in a three-team deal, averaging 12.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 3.8 APG in 24.1 MPG. Johnson will surely exercise his $16MM player option for next season and the team hopes he can pick up where he left off.
- Zach Cooper, a video assistant for the Trail Blazers, has died unexpectedly due to undisclosed reasons, Shams Charania of The Athletic tweets. “I am devastated by the news of Zach’s passing,” head coach Terry Stotts said in a statement. “He was a valued member of our staff, but more importantly, he was an outstanding young man who everyone loved and appreciated.”
Onyeka Okungwu is a great fit at PF for the Wolves, plus the fact Johnson is on the bench behind him is good. It means you’ve either got a solid vet or promising rookie
The writer seems to think JJ is the right type of player to complement Towns but should only be a backup. Versatile, energetic, veteran, but limited in playing time.
Yeah it’s a toss up between him and okuro as the best fits for minnesota.but I lean more to okungwu as he and towns would really compliment each other
As a knick fan I would love to add Harry Giles he was a guaranteed top 5 pick in his draft class if it wasn’t for knee injuries. If we hkred Kenny Atkinson he will make sure to get the best out of him. If we go with Thibbideau it might be catastrophic though.