Fans at the Staples Center on Wednesday night got the version of Clippers they were most afraid to see. The sleepy, dazed and confused team that looks like it wants to fight but just can't muster the fuel reared its evil head. The Clippers just couldn't hit any big shots, they couldn't capitalize on their turnover-friendly foes mistakes. They made a new guy look like a star (Chase Budinger), they got out-hustled going after loose balls and Chris Kaman continued to make awkward mistakes. The Houston Rockets were gifted the victory.
Yesterday, most of the reports around the Clipper hood focused on rookie Blake Griffin's return that was pushed back to January, based on comments made by Mike Dunleavy. No actual date was provided, though several reports hinted at an early January return due, perhaps, to this comment by coach: "Now that I'm learning more about [his injury] It's probably looking more like after the first of the year."
Originally, Griffin's injury was supposed to keep the baller down six weeks, which would be this week. But now with a scheduled MRI (isn't this a bone issue?), Dunleavy's postponement and a poor Clippers track-record for getting players up and running on time after injuries, six weeks is now out the window.
Well, I did speak with an NBA insider Wednesday who was able to tell me that Griffin won't be on the court before January 15th. Of course this pushes Griffin's injury to the season's half-way point. The source did request anonymity on Wednesday, and emails to the Clippers' front office were not returned on a January 15th time-table.
Spoiler alert: The Clippers may not be a championship caliber squad yet, but would it not just be a treat for their fans to just have one drama-free off-court presence? Of course it would not be wise to rush or force Blake back from injury, but the Clippers can't afford to play as flat and under-achieving as they were against the Rockets on Wednesday night.
Comments
dang thats a major set back.
Blake better git back soon cuz this clippers team hasn't done anything last year's team couldn't have done.
Sterling is the worst!!!!
According to today's reports, Blake will be cleared to play in 3 weeks. That would be December 15th. Wow - this article was solid reporting.
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