PG out. Will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks

KL2 · Post #81 » by **KL2** » Thu Mar 24, 2022 3:45 pm

Not sure I can trust the players words right now either. Not even 2 weeks ago Mann said he didn’t think we’d see Leonard or Powell for awhile.

Powell responded to the Chris Haynes report saying unless the news comes from him it’s fake news.

FWIW from practice today …

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Post #82 » by **TrueLAfan** » Thu Mar 24, 2022 9:07 pm

Back in practice. Looks like PG will be back sooner rather than later.

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Kelphus · Post #83 » by **Kelphus** » Fri Mar 25, 2022 12:02 am

LA Daily News - 3-23-22

Clippers’ Paul George practices for first time since injury
The Clippers star, sidelined since Dec. 25 with an elbow injury, is still out for Friday's game against the 76ers
Clippers star Paul George returned to practice for the first time Thursday since he was ruled out Dec. 25 with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Paul George returned to practice for the first time Thursday since he was ruled out Dec. 25 with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
By MIRJAM SWANSON | mswanson@scng.com | Southern California News Group
PUBLISHED: March 24, 2022 at 12:55 p.m. | UPDATED: March 24, 2022 at 2:28 p.m.
PLAYA VISTA — Sure, the Clippers have lost four consecutive games and seven of their past nine.

It would have been hard to tell that from the energy before Thursday’s practice at Honey Training Center, where Paul George returned to practice for the first time since he was ruled out Dec. 25 with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Guard Reggie Jackson, typically upbeat, seemed especially so as he dapped up everyone within reach and shouted out everybody within earshot, eager, he said, to “get out here and love on each other and enjoy this game.”

Finally “each other” included his good pal, PG.

George’s return to practice was considered the next stage in his rehab, a team spokesman said, noting that his star’s status for Friday’s game against Philadelphia was unchanged: He remains out.

The Clippers – 36-38 overall and all but locked into the eighth seed and the play-in game against the seventh seed – are 22-26 this season without George. They have eight regular-season games remaining.

The Palmdale native was the Clippers’ focal point before his injury with fellow All-Star Kawhi Leonard having missed all of the season so far, rehabbing after July 13 surgery to repair a torn right anterior cruciate ligament.

George was leading the Clippers in points (24.7), assists (5.5) and steals (2.0), and was second in rebounds (7.1 rebounds) through 26 games.

“He is doing good,” Lue said in a chat with reporters before heading into the gym and gathering his players – including George, a basketball in each hand – around him to start practice.

“He hasn’t felt any pain so that is a positive thing. Just working on his conditioning and just making sure he can continue to go through the minimal contact without having any issue. So as of right now, it hasn’t been a problem.”

George began playing four-on-four with assistant coaches last weekend after gradually ramping up his basketball activities over the past few months.

Lue didn’t have an update on Leonard, but he noted that Norman Powell, who has missed the Clippers’ past 17 games since suffering a fractured medial sesamoid bone in his left foot, has been able to do non-contact shooting work this week. Powell hasn’t, however, been cleared for contact, Lue said.

The 28-year-old wing – acquired in a trade deadline deal that also brought Robert Covington to L.A. – played only three games for the Clippers and made a good first impression, averaging 21 points and four assists while shooting 47.6% overall.

“He was able to do some stuff on the court yesterday,” Lue said. “Nothing too serious, but he was on the court doing some things. Nothing that involves contact or anything like that, but he is on the floor a little bit, doing a little shooting.”

TNT’s Chris Haynes reported during Tuesday’s game in Denver that his sources told him Powell was “itching” to return and expected to get back on the court before the end of the regular season – a report Powell seemed to dispute Wednesday when he tweeted: “What sources? Is saying how I feel? It’s either from me or fake news. Chill with the sources talk. Smh.”

Lue cautioned that neither player will return until their participation is fully vetted by medical personnel.

“We just got to be smart, make sure we’re protecting the player and making sure we’re doing the right thing by them, that’s first and foremost,” Lue said. “When medical says we have an opportunity, then we will. If we don’t, we don’t.”

In the meantime, they’ll continue to focus on the necessary steps in their respective rehabs. Lue said he didn’t plan to give them film or playbooks to take home to study.

“Yeah. I mean, I don’t know how good that works, especially when you get into the 5-on-5 situations,” Lue said. “The game is so fast. They got to get reps, and that’s the most important thing.”

Those repetitions started, for George, Thursday.

KL2 · Post #84 » by **KL2** » Mon Mar 28, 2022 7:44 pm

PG practiced 5 on 5 yesterday. He’ll practice today and go from there. That was in response to whether he’d play this week.

Powell is still only shooting and nothing more.

And what would this day be without another tease right?

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In the responses he said his reaction was Lupita’s.

Oh what fun. Another one.

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KL2 · Post #85 » by **KL2** » Mon Mar 28, 2022 11:45 pm

PG is listed as questionable to play against Utah.

Post #86 » by **og15** » Tue Mar 29, 2022 1:39 am

Things are getting interesting

madmaxmedia · Post #87 » by **madmaxmedia** » Tue Mar 29, 2022 1:48 am

Questionable for tomorrow, at this point it seems clear he’s coming back soon. Hopefully Norm will follow soon, would be fun to at least see these 2 together on the court.

MartinToVaught · Post #88 » by **MartinToVaught** » Tue Mar 29, 2022 2:11 am

I'm so jaded by the way this team handles injuries that I'll believe PG's back when I actually see him on the court in a game. But if it is true, it's obviously great news.

nickhx2 · Post #89 » by **nickhx2** » Tue Mar 29, 2022 2:43 am

had a feeling we were gonna hear about pg today and it was definitely good news. i do kinda expect powell to be back by end of season as well.

we'll see if kawhi follows suit for sure.

that said i KNOW some of you guys have no chill so for your own good maybe keep your expectations low for kawhi and even powell, until you literally see them on the court.

esqtvd · Post #90 » by **esqtvd** » Tue Mar 29, 2022 4:04 am

Read on Twitter

Kelphus · Post #91 » by **Kelphus** » Tue Mar 29, 2022 4:20 am

Let the games begin!

Kelphus · Post #92 » by **Kelphus** » Tue Mar 29, 2022 6:40 pm

Guess I don't have rights to create a poll.. wish I did...

Question -
Does PG13 play tonight v. Utah?

Answers:

Absolutely [ ]
He'll suit up but not play [ ]
He'll warm up before game but not suit up [ ]
Nope, we'll suffer a few days more [ ]

clipperlover · Post #93 » by **clipperlover** » Fri Apr 1, 2022 9:13 pm

I fully expect that PG, Powell and Kawhi will all be around for the playoffs. I think the Clips have a strategy.
Step 1 - Bring PG back for the end of the regular season to rally the troops
Step 2 - Bring back Powell for the play ins coming off the bench
Step 3 - Round 1 - Powell moves into the starting line-up with PG and Kawhi comes back and comes off the bench

From a strategic standpoint, Lue is much better adjusting over a playoff series than the other coaches we will face. In Round 1, the opponent will not only have to spend time trying to figure out how the Clippers use PG and Powell, but then they also have to worry about Kawhi.

For Round 2, Kawhi moves into the starting line-up.

I saw a picture of Kawhi several weeks back. His quads looked super strong, so he has been working hard.

donemilio21 · Post #94 » by **donemilio21** » Mon Apr 4, 2022 6:56 pm

clipperlover wrote:I fully expect that PG, Powell and Kawhi will all be around for the playoffs. I think the Clips have a strategy.
Step 1 - Bring PG back for the end of the regular season to rally the troops
Step 2 - Bring back Powell for the play ins coming off the bench
Step 3 - Round 1 - Powell moves into the starting line-up with PG and Kawhi comes back and comes off the bench

From a strategic standpoint, Lue is much better adjusting over a playoff series than the other coaches we will face. In Round 1, the opponent will not only have to spend time trying to figure out how the Clippers use PG and Powell, but then they also have to worry about Kawhi.

For Round 2, Kawhi moves into the starting line-up.

I saw a picture of Kawhi several weeks back. His quads looked super strong, so he has been working hard.

I suspect Powell will be available to play the last two regular season games, but I agree that he most likely will come off the bench.
I don't believe Kawhi would play unless we somehow pass Suns or Grizzlies in the first round. Then he'll come for rest of playoffs.

esqtvd · Post #95 » by **esqtvd** » Mon Apr 4, 2022 9:06 pm

I'll put this here

madmaxmedia · Post #96 » by **madmaxmedia** » Mon Apr 4, 2022 9:19 pm

clipperlover wrote:I fully expect that PG, Powell and Kawhi will all be around for the playoffs. I think the Clips have a strategy.
Step 1 - Bring PG back for the end of the regular season to rally the troops
Step 2 - Bring back Powell for the play ins coming off the bench
Step 3 - Round 1 - Powell moves into the starting line-up with PG and Kawhi comes back and comes off the bench

From a strategic standpoint, Lue is much better adjusting over a playoff series than the other coaches we will face. In Round 1, the opponent will not only have to spend time trying to figure out how the Clippers use PG and Powell, but then they also have to worry about Kawhi.

For Round 2, Kawhi moves into the starting line-up.

I saw a picture of Kawhi several weeks back. His quads looked super strong, so he has been working hard.

Something along these lines makes sense as their returns would need to be staggered. Beating the Pels was great because Lue can focus on the best way possible to re-integrate Norman before the play-in without having to win one of the last 2 games.

clipperlover · Post #97 » by **clipperlover** » Tue Apr 5, 2022 6:11 pm

esqtvd wrote:I'll put this here

Covington is huge because of his defense. He is a reason I think Kawhi will be back. Kawhi will be able to come in go all out without having to also carry the defensive load. Having, Kawhi, PG, and Covington to share the responsibility is huge. With Powell on the floor, Kawhi could take a step back offensively and ramp up his D. Having teammates that can help shoulder the load is huge.

clipperlover · Post #98 » by **clipperlover** » Tue Apr 5, 2022 6:29 pm

madmaxmedia wrote:
clipperlover wrote:I fully expect that PG, Powell and Kawhi will all be around for the playoffs. I think the Clips have a strategy.
Step 1 - Bring PG back for the end of the regular season to rally the troops
Step 2 - Bring back Powell for the play ins coming off the bench
Step 3 - Round 1 - Powell moves into the starting line-up with PG and Kawhi comes back and comes off the bench

From a strategic standpoint, Lue is much better adjusting over a playoff series than the other coaches we will face. In Round 1, the opponent will not only have to spend time trying to figure out how the Clippers use PG and Powell, but then they also have to worry about Kawhi.

For Round 2, Kawhi moves into the starting line-up.

I saw a picture of Kawhi several weeks back. His quads looked super strong, so he has been working hard.

Something along these lines makes sense as their returns would need to be staggered. Beating the Pels was great because Lue can focus on the best way possible to re-integrate Norman before the play-in without having to win one of the last 2 games.

Staggering returns helps to slowly integrate. More importantly, staggering returns keeps the opponents coaching staff working harder to figure out what you are doing.The more time they are tied up trying to figure out the unknowns, the less time they have to implement those game plans. Many teams are killed in a playoff series because they exhausted their options and can no longer adjust. Because of the injuries, We have yet to implement a lot of options and line-ups that will baffle the opponents.

Here a just a few to get excited about (many more):
PG, Powell, Kawhi, Covington, Zu
PG, Powell, Kawhi, Covngton, Morris
Mann, Powell, PG, Kawhi, Covington
Mann, Kennard, Kawhi, Covington, Hartenstein

Our bench scoring is currently #4 in the league. The pressure we will put on opponents to have to stick with their starters longer than normal because we can always keep a PG, Powell and/or Kawhi on the floor is exciting to think about.

KL2 · Post #99 » by **KL2** » Tue Apr 5, 2022 7:45 pm

So Leonard took part in some pre-team practice shooting drills. There’s videos of him goofing off but reporters were told not to film him shooting. He was practicing free throws, mid range jumpers before finishing with 3 pointers. His emphasis was on pivoting on each foot and jab steps.

Ty Lue was asked about it but he says he didn’t see it. Of course.

Powell will practice today. No 5 on 5 and Lue would only say he hoped so if Powell will play in the regular season.

madmaxmedia · Post #100 » by **madmaxmedia** » Tue Apr 5, 2022 8:21 pm

clipperlover wrote:
madmaxmedia wrote:
clipperlover wrote:I fully expect that PG, Powell and Kawhi will all be around for the playoffs. I think the Clips have a strategy.
Step 1 - Bring PG back for the end of the regular season to rally the troops
Step 2 - Bring back Powell for the play ins coming off the bench
Step 3 - Round 1 - Powell moves into the starting line-up with PG and Kawhi comes back and comes off the bench

From a strategic standpoint, Lue is much better adjusting over a playoff series than the other coaches we will face. In Round 1, the opponent will not only have to spend time trying to figure out how the Clippers use PG and Powell, but then they also have to worry about Kawhi.

For Round 2, Kawhi moves into the starting line-up.

I saw a picture of Kawhi several weeks back. His quads looked super strong, so he has been working hard.

Something along these lines makes sense as their returns would need to be staggered. Beating the Pels was great because Lue can focus on the best way possible to re-integrate Norman before the play-in without having to win one of the last 2 games.

Staggering returns helps to slowly integrate. More importantly, staggering returns keeps the opponents coaching staff working harder to figure out what you are doing.The more time they are tied up trying to figure out the unknowns, the less time they have to implement those game plans. Many teams are killed in a playoff series because they exhausted their options and can no longer adjust. Because of the injuries, We have yet to implement a lot of options and line-ups that will baffle the opponents.

Here a just a few to get excited about (many more):
PG, Powell, Kawhi, Covington, Zu
PG, Powell, Kawhi, Covngton, Morris
Mann, Powell, PG, Kawhi, Covington
Mann, Kennard, Kawhi, Covington, Hartenstein

Our bench scoring is currently #4 in the league. The pressure we will put on opponents to have to stick with their starters longer than normal because we can always keep a PG, Powell and/or Kawhi on the floor is exciting to think about.

Ty is gonna get a chance to work the same magic as last playoffs, but this time from a position of strength rather than trying to fill holes. PG and Kawhi are the only two that are constants in the lineup, the rest of the players can be put together in combinations as situations and matchups require (though obviously certain guys will get more MPG over time, we probably all agree on the general distribution.) I think some of our best lineups (until Kawhi gets back) are gonna have PG, Norm, and RoCo together, how can opposing teams game plan that when even we don't really know how they'll play together?

I really hope Norm gets a game or 2 to warm up before the play-in...