Clippers' Covington is now ready to seize the moment
PLAYA VISTA ❯❯ It was a bit surprising to see Robert Covington starting the Clippers' second preseason game Tuesday. It was unforeseen because the 6-foot-7 power forward had started just twice in his two seasons in Los Angeles, and not at all last year.
Perhaps even more remarkable was his stat line against the Utah Jazz. He appeared to be in midseason form, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting with one 3-pointer and two free throws. Defensively, he had four blocks in 22 minutes in the Clippers' 103-98 victory.
The only person not surprised by the unexpected start and result was Covington himself. Like he explained, “the opportunity was there, and I seized the moment.”
“It wasn't much different than me going out there any other time,” Covington said before Thursday's practice.
Given how deep the Clippers are, Covington's court time has been limited. He has been left watching others get opportunities he covets. Even coach Tyronn Lue admitted before the team went to Hawaii for training camp that Covington should have played more last season. He averaged just 16.2 minutes in 48 minutes of court time in 2022-23.
The last game, though, might have been a preview of more minutes for Covington, additional playing time in the future.
“Ty told me that last year, he wished I got to play me more because it was just unfortunate how deep our team was and how I hadn't really played a lot and he just kept me out,” Covington said. “I just said (to myself), `Stay patient, just stay patient.'
“I did everything that I was supposed to as far as staying ready whenever my number was called. I was ready for anything. That's what I love about my professionalism — the fact that I stay ready no matter what.”
Covington said he never got discouraged about his lack of playing time last season. He routinely could be seen cheering on his teammates or giving them encouragement and never complaining away from the court. He prefers to look at the bright side of the game.
“At times it was (hard not to get down), but I know I'm a part of this league. I've had veterans talk (about) that type of stuff before in the past. So, I can understand just being in that moment, and understanding that the team I'm on, it is going to be like that.
“It sucks sometimes that we've got to sacrifice. But like I said, stay patient.”
Covington said he wants to paint himself as a disruptor, despite not being the tallest player on the team. He is, though, athletic enough to quickly get to traps, prevent opponents from scoring and contest every rushed shot.
His four blocked shots against the Jazz are testament to untapped potential. He has averaged just one block over 14 seasons.
“We got guys that can play great defense, you know, throughout this team, but that aspect (a disruptor) is something that I want to be as much as I can, making people uncomfortable,” Covington said.
“I've don't have to do too much with the caliber of guys that we have on the team in that starting unit. So, my main thing is to be impactful on the defensive end.”
Practice time
The Clippers, who have split their first two preseason games, don't play again until Tuesday, giving them as many as five days to work out more of the kinks, especially on offense.
“My main focus coming into the season was to be really good on defense and our guys are playing hard on the defensive end,” Lue said. “So now we just have to make sure out guys are doing things the right way on the offensive end.”
Lue pointed to the Clippers' transition game as something that needs work before their final two preseason games — both at home against the Denver Nuggets.
“We have all the pieces and all the parts, all the interchangeable guys,” he said. “Now, it's about our mindset, how we want to approach (the games offensively.)
Marcus Morris (groin), Ivica Zubac (back), Norman Powell (groin) and Brandon Boston (knee) did not participate fully in Thursday's practice, according to Lue. It was unclear whether they would be available for Tuesday's game.