Clippers on the Mend with Derrick Jones Jr. and Yanic Konan Niederhauser Close to Return
The Los Angeles Clippers are navigating a turbulent stretch as injuries have significantly strained their roster. With Bradley Beal sidelined for the season and Chris Paul no longer in the fold, the team has also been without Derrick Jones Jr. since November 16 due to an MCL sprain. Initially handed a six-week recovery timeline, recent developments suggest that Jones is poised to return to action sooner than anticipated.
Jones’ Encouraging Progress
In a promising sign for the Clippers, Jones participated in parts of practice recently, as reported by Joey Linn. This comes on the heels of head coach Ty Lue noting that Jones had progressed to five-on-five drills over the weekend, according to The Athletic’s Law Murray. While the original expectation was for Jones to be back by early January, his potential early return is becoming increasingly likely, especially given the pressing needs of the team.
The Clippers are set to face the Houston Rockets before heading to Portland for a matchup against the Trail Blazers on Friday. Following that, they will return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. With the urgency of their current situation, Jones could make his comeback in any of these contests.
A Timely Boost for the Clippers
Jones’ return could not come at a more critical juncture. Ivica Zubac is expected to miss at least three weeks due to an ankle sprain, leaving the Clippers with limited options at the center position. In response, Lue may lean on small-ball lineups, utilizing players like John Collins, Kobe Brown, or even Kawhi Leonard in a five-spot role. The need for Jones is underscored by his defensive prowess. Known for his ability to guard multiple positions and challenge elite scorers, Jones brings a crucial skill set back to a team that is yearning for defensive stability.
While he may not be the most prolific shooter, Jones has the capability to keep defenses honest with his cutting ability and opportunistic scoring. His athleticism and versatility are vital for a Clippers squad that is seeking to regain its competitive edge.
Niederhauser’s Return Adds Depth
In addition to Jones, the Clippers are also set to welcome back Yanic Konan Niederhauser. The 22-year-old rookie had been sidelined for a week with knee soreness but has fully participated in practice and is expected to step into a larger role as the backup center during Zubac’s absence.
With both Jones and Niederhauser nearing their returns, the Clippers are looking to bolster their lineup just as they confront a challenging stretch of games. As the team aims to navigate its injury woes, the contributions of these two players could prove instrumental in their quest for success.
