Clippers juggle injuries, depth questions ahead of home opener versus Suns
clippers-roster-updates-beal-paul-miller-aspiration
LOS ANGELES — The Clippers will host the Phoenix Suns on Friday with several storylines already developing only two games into the season.
Bradley Beal’s quick adjustment
Guard Bradley Beal, who joined Los Angeles on a two-year deal after negotiating a buyout with Phoenix, said earlier this week he “feels at home” despite arriving just months ago. The 32-year-old is easing back from offseason arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and remains on a minute limit.
Jordan Miller sidelined
Third-year forward Jordan Miller is battling left hamstring soreness and will be re-evaluated in roughly one week. Selected 48th overall in the 2023 draft, Miller is on a two-way contract.
Chris Paul returns to L.A.
Friday also marks Chris Paul’s first home game with the franchise since his previous stint ended in 2017. Now 40, the future Hall of Famer signed a one-year contract after spending last season in San Antonio. Paul said he will be “locked in” on the game rather than the emotions of his homecoming.
Managing a crowded rotation
Head coach Tyronn Lue traditionally prefers nine-man rotations, but a roster loaded with veterans could force adjustments. Lue estimated it may take 15–20 games to determine ideal lineups. When fully healthy, guards Bogdan Bogdanovic and forward Nicolas Batum are viewed as the veterans most at risk of falling out of the regular rotation.
Off-court scrutiny
The Wall Street Journal reported new details on allegations that the Clippers used the now-bankrupt green-bank Aspiration to steer a lucrative endorsement deal to Kawhi Leonard while he was injured, potentially circumventing salary-cap rules. According to the report, Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg told a senior executive the team initiated the arrangement and described it as “important to the Clippers.” Some Aspiration officials reportedly raised concerns about the agreement but did not question its cap implications.
The Clippers enter Friday’s matchup looking to bounce back from a lopsided season-opening loss in Utah.
Source: Hoops Rumors
