OCEANSIDE -- In the depths of Frontwave Arena, the San Diego Clippers could be seen hard at practice ahead of their home opener against the Salt Lake City Stars on November 14. The inner workings of the NBA G League allow for a bit more down time in-between games, which the Clippers' coaching staff takes full advantage of. With roster fluidity, it is essential for any team in the G League to get as much practice time with their squad as possible.
The Clippers have played two games this season, starting off 1-1 in two games against the Stockton Kings. They currently house several new two-way players which essentially serve as the bridge between the San Diego squad and the NBA LA Clippers squad. Rookie Yanic Konan Niederhouser is with the team on assignment, very similar to the position current LA Clippers guard Cam Christie was in last season. Jahmyl Telfort, Kobe Sanders , and Jordan Miller are the team's designated two-way players.
With the current injuries and absences on the LA side ( Bradley Beal and Kawhi Leonard specifically), the San Diego Clippers will be without Miller and Sanders at the moment. Neiderhouser and Telfort were present in their first two games, and barring any surprises, will most likely be in the starting lineup against the Stars.
San Diego Clippers Head Coach Paul Hewitt Reacts To Start Of Season
Paul Hewitt, head coach of the San Diego Clippers, had a positive outlook on the beginning of their season. "This time last year we had a bunch of guys that ended up getting picked up by NBA teams -- I feel the same way about this team. We have a really good group. Our rookies, (Niederhouser) and (Telfort), both those guys have been down and given us some help and really have made the most of their practice time."
He also mentioned how Patrick Baldwin Jr . is returning, and that Jason Preston has experience with the organization during their time in Ontario.
As the G League is geared for development of organizational players, Hewitt noted the focal point of Niederhouser and Telfort. "We try to simulate the role they'd play with LAC. For Yanic, he knows his assignment is to be a good defender -- especially on ball screens, and then protecting the rim and running the floor. Jah (Telfort) knows he has to defend the ball, and definitely score in transition. While he's here we'll also try to get him some shots so he can work on his 3-point shooting."
It's clear the focus will be getting their two-way guys involved, surrounded by a cast of players trying to find their footing in the NBA world. Through two games thus far it seems having Baldwin Jr. (who's leading the team in scoring) and Niederhouser will have an inside-outside game, capped off with perimeter shooting by various players on different nights. Fans will have their first in-person look as they take on the Stars on November 14 at Frontwave Arena.
