Clippers’ Struggles Intensify with Brook Lopez’s Decline
The Los Angeles Clippers faced another setback in their recent game, suffering a 15-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite Ivica Zubac’s notable contribution, where he recorded a +6 rating in his 33 minutes on the court, the team faltered significantly when he was sidelined. The stark contrast in performance highlighted the dire impact of Brook Lopez’s struggles off the bench.
Lopez’s Troubling Performance
In a mere 11 minutes of play, Lopez failed to score, finishing with 0-for-2 shooting and just one rebound. This uninspired outing coincided with the Clippers’ worst moments, as they were outscored by a staggering 24 points during his time on the floor. This game was not an isolated incident; it has become a recurring theme throughout the season. The Clippers’ net rating plummets to -12.2 when Lopez is on the court, with an alarming on/off difference of -8.3 points per 100 possessions, according to Cleaning The Glass.
The 37-year-old veteran’s season has been marked by declining numbers across the board, including his True Shooting percentage, free-throw rate, and rebounding rate. These statistics underscore a concerning physical decline. Once celebrated as one of the league’s premier rim protectors, Lopez now appears to be a liability defensively. Opponents are shooting an astonishing 68.1% at the rim during his minutes, and they are rebounding at a significantly higher rate when he is on the floor. Consequently, the Clippers are surrendering an alarming 122.7 points per 100 possessions while Lopez plays.
Reassessing Lopez’s Role
The Clippers’ decision to sign Lopez to a two-year, $16 million contract in the offseason is increasingly being viewed as a misstep. The team may need to reconsider how much they rely on him moving forward. With the current roster lacking another proven center, the Clippers find themselves in a bind. Rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser could be an option, but his readiness for the NBA remains uncertain. The sentiment may need to shift to, “he can’t be worse than what Lopez is giving us.”
A more viable solution could involve leaning into small-ball lineups. Although head coach Ty Lue has expressed a desire to increase the team’s size, the results have been underwhelming. It may be time to explore lineups that exclude both Lopez and Zubac, a strategy Lue has yet to attempt this season. Utilizing players like John Collins or Nicolas Batum in backup center roles could enhance the Clippers’ offensive dynamics, providing the necessary spacing and mobility they currently lack.
Addressing Broader Issues
While adjusting the center position may not solve all of the Clippers’ problems, it could prevent the team from consistently losing minutes without Zubac by double digits. The challenges facing the Clippers extend far beyond Lopez’s struggles, but reevaluating his role could serve as a critical first step toward improvement.
