Doc Rivers Doesn't Know When to Expect Montrezl Harrell
Doc Rivers on Montrezl Harrell's return: 'No update, no timing'
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00:00The LA Clippers are almost at full strength, especially now that they're getting Lou Williams back in today's game against the Phoenix Suns,
00:05but they are still missing one key player in Montrezl Harrell.
00:10Harrell left the bubble on July 17th for family emergency, which has since evolved to the death of his grandmother.
00:15Harrell said during a story that he was very close to his grandmother, so he's still rightfully pretty emotionally distraught.
00:21When asked about a timetable for his return, Dr. Rivers mentioned this afternoon that there was none available, saying, quote, no update, no time.
00:28Rivers had previously stated, quote, when he's ready, he'll come back.
00:31You can't play if you're not right mentally because of the emotional part of it. Despite that statement being three days old,
00:36that's clearly the situation right now.
00:38When Harrell is ready to play again and return, the Clippers will welcome him with open arms,
00:43but they aren't ready to force Tipperary in just yet. As of right now, the Clippers have done a pretty decent job of playing without Harrell.
00:49The bench obviously doesn't average as many points per game as it once was with him,
00:53but they nearly beat the Lakers without him, and they crushed New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
00:57The Clippers can defeat the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks without him, in pretty good shape from a seating perspective moving forward.
01:03At the end of the day, the Clippers do need Montrezl Harrell.
01:06Sixth man of the year candidate this year, and he's averaging close to 19 points per game, along with seven rebounds, almost two assists, one block,
01:13shooting 58% from the floor, and just under 20 minutes per game.
01:15A type of production that players can temporarily step up to fix, but it's hard to replace in the long run.
01:22We wish nothing but the best for Montrezl Harrell and his family, and help his family during this difficult time.