The LA Clippers are just one piece away from becoming whole again, and they'll continue to be patient with the return of Montrezl Harrell.
Harrell has been away from the team since July 17th tending to a family emergency. Over the last couple of days, Harrell has revealed the unfortunate passing of his grandmother as well as his struggles coping with it on social media.
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said earlier this week that the team isn't concerned about his return and that he should take his time before returning.
“When he’s ready, he’ll come back,” Rivers said. “You can’t play if you’re not right mentally because of the emotional part of it. All I told him is I love him and take your time and we’ll be ready with open arms when you come.”
During the Clippers-Mavericks broadcast on Thursday night, Yahoo Sports Insider Chris Haynes reported that Harrell was expected to join the team soon after the upcoming funeral.
“He's been tending to his family where his grandmother, a woman who was a mother figure to him, passed away,” Haynes said. “I was told she'll be laid to rest on Saturday, and he's expected to fly to Orlando soon after. Sources say he has been testing daily with negative results, so Harrell could be available for the Clippers next week after a four day quarantine period.”
If Montrezl. Harrell returns on Sunday, August 9th or Monday, August 10th, he'll have an opportunity to play in the Clippers' final seeding game before the playoffs begin on August 18th. If he arrives any day after the 10th, there's a high chance he won't be able to play until the first round begins.
The Clippers will play a weekend back-to-back set against the Portland Trail Blazers and Brooklyn Nets. They'll then have two days off before taking on the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday and the Oklahoma City Thunder a week from today. Halfway through scrimmage play, the Clippers are 2-2.
Montrezl Harrell has been a Sixth Man of the Year candidate all year, averaging a career high 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds for the Clippers on 58 percent shooting.
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