The Clippers already had Montrezl Harrell — a Sixth Man of the Year candidate and a critical part of their rotation — leave the NBA’s bubble to deal with a family matter. Now starting point guard Patrick Beverley has done the same.
He practiced with the team earlier in the day then left the bubble Tuesday to “address an emergency personal matter” reports Malika Andrews of ESPN. Beverley plans to return to the bubble and play when he can, according to the report.
According to the NBA’s restart handbook, if Beverley has daily negative coronavirus tests while away (or for the last seven days before his return), then he will be quarantined just four days upon his return. If he is not tested he faces a 10-day quarantine upon his return.
Beverley averages 7.9 points and 5.4 assists a game for Los Angeles, but his real value comes in both his intense defense and his vocal leadership of the team. Beverley is the emotional leader of the Clippers and they will need him as they move through the playoffs.
With Beverley out, look for Reggie Jackson to get a lot more run.
The Clippers enter the bubble as one of the true title contenders, the two seed in the West but with both the Nuggets and Jazz within striking distance should Los Angeles stumble. The Clippers start their scrimmages on Wednesday against the Magic and play their first seeding game on July 30 against its Staples Center roommates the Lakers.
