LOS ANGELES — The Clippers confirmed Wednesday that guard Bradley Beal will miss the rest of the season after fracturing his left hip during Saturday’s matchup with Phoenix.
President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told reporters the fracture is “completely unrelated” to Beal’s prior injuries. The 32-year-old had undergone a right knee scope in May, logged limited minutes in training camp and played under a minutes restriction until the hip gave out with 9:12 remaining in the second quarter against the Suns.
Frank said team doctors are “extremely optimistic” Beal will make a full recovery, adding that the downtime should also allow the veteran to resolve lingering knee inflammation.
Agent Mark Bartelstein echoed that sentiment in an interview with Essentially Sports, calling the setback “devastating” but stressing that surgery is expected to restore Beal to full strength. “We have to put all of our energy and focus toward the rehab,” Bartelstein said.
Leonard Nursing Foot and Ankle Issues
Head coach Tyronn Lue revealed that Kawhi Leonard is dealing with a sprained foot in addition to the right ankle sprain previously reported. Lue noted that Leonard is progressing and will accompany the club on its upcoming road trip, where medical staff will evaluate him daily to determine a return date.
Collins’ Starting Role
Forward John Collins started for the second consecutive game Wednesday. Lue said Collins’ primary task is to space the floor when he shares the court with center Ivica Zubac and guard James Harden. “There’s not a lot of room in that 15-foot area,” the coach explained.
Harden on Team’s Slow Start
Harden attributed the Clippers’ 3-7 record to inconsistent rotations. “Some guys haven’t played ever, some guys are just being put in the rotation, some guys are new here, their first 10 games,” he told the Orange County Register. “That’s a lot that goes into it, so I don’t think we can pinpoint one thing.”
The Clippers open a four-game trip Friday in Denver.
Source: Hoops Rumors
