The L.A. Clippers have a banged-up roster, and it’d be a great help to the team if their do-it-all power forward Blake Griffin could come back soon. According to Clippers head coach Doc River, Griffin could return to active duty as early as this week, via Tomer Azarly.
#Clippers' broadcaster @Ohmeomy says in an interview with Doc Rivers before today's game, Rivers said injured forward Blake Griffin could possibly return in as early as one week. He suffered the sprained MCL just under 4 weeks ago.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 24, 2017
This is a surprising revelation from Rivers, considering that it was initially thought that Griffin would be sidelined for two months due to an MCL sprain he suffered back in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers just last Nov. 27. Since then, the Clippers have gone 5-7 in 12 games.
No structural damage in left knee with sprained MCL for Clippers All-Star Blake Griffin, league source tells ESPN. Recovery could take two months, source says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 28, 2017
With Chris Paul getting shipped to the Houston Rockets in the offseason, Griffin has become the de facto leader of the Clippers, but it’s hard for him to perform that duty when he’s spending most of his time on the sidelines. In his absence, the Clippers are giving increased minutes to the Montrezl Harrell, while also leaving a bigger load on the shoulders of DeAndre Jordan on both ends of the floor.
On the season, the 28-year-old Griffin is averaging 23.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in in just 19 games played so far.
If Griffin would indeed come back this week, his return could come in any of the Clippers’ next three games against the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Charlotte Hornets.