LA Clippers’ head coach Doc Rivers expects to have all of his players on his disposal for the NBA restart in Orlando. This includes the sixth man Lou Williams, who stated that he isn’t sure whether he wants to finish the 2019/20 season.
Williams recently told the media that he was split on the decision to travel to Orlando amid the current fight against social injustice in the United States. The 33-year-old explained that he believes basketball could take away from the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement.
However, Rivers told the reporters on Wednesday that Williams is leaning towards playing and that he would be surprised if the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year decides to sit out the rest of the season.
“As far as Lou, all indications [are] that yes, he is [playing],” said Rivers. “Obviously, up until we get on the plane, anything can happen. But I do expect Lou to be with us. I would be very surprised if he’s not.”
Rivers also added that he thinks no other Clippers’ player could potentially opt out. However, he and the team would be supportive if things change in the meantime.
“It is their choice and we support that.” “There are so many reasons for everybody to play but there are also very valid reasons for guys to opt out.”
Not having Lou Williams on the roster would be a tough blow for the Clippers as they are expected to be one of the main contenders for NBA title in Orlando. Despite entering from the bench, Williams was the Clippers’ third highest-scoring player this season, averaging 18.6 points per game. He was also adding 3.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.
