by Cedric ‘BIG CED’ Thornton
P.J. Tucker and Bones Hyland were sent home from a recent road trip; both are expected back with the team after the All-Star break.
The Athletic reports disgruntled players P.J. Tucker and Bones Hyland were sent home during the Los Angeles Clippers’ recent road trip.
Tucker, joined James Harden on the Clippers earlier this season as as part of a seven-player, three-team deal with the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The move has been a source of frustration for both Hyland and Tucker as both men have seen a decrease in playing time due to the roster changes.
Tucker has not played since Nov. 27. Hyland has not played in a game since Jan. 31, appearing in only in seven games previously.
The Clippers boast the third-best record in the league at 36-17, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Tucker’s tenure on the bench is quite a demotion from his starting forward position on the 76ers. After joining the Clippers, Tucker was involved in the rotation for first the 12 games in November, six of which were losses.
The team has gone 27-7 since Tucker left the rotation.
“It was agreed upon that I would sit,” Tucker told The Athletic. “I didn’t just sit, it was agreed upon. Until they moved me, I would sit. They didn’t do it. But (I) try to be professional, as professional as possible. But at the same time, if I don’t advocate for myself, who is? You know? But it is what it is, man.”
For Hyland, his status took a turn when Russell Westbrook offered up his starting spot to play in the second unit. Hyland was the team’s back-up shooting guard., but he was passed over in favor of veteran Norman Powell.
Bothe men will reportedly be back with the team after this weekend’s All-Star break. The Clippers’ next game is Thursday, Feb. 22.
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Source: Black Enterprise
