Clifford Gives Explanation to Change in Starting Five

Washington out, Bridges in.

Prior to Miles Bridges' return, I predicted that he would eventually replace P.J. Washington in the starting lineup. I didn't expect it to be three games into his return, though. 

In the first two games with Bridges back, Washington struggled while Bridges flourished despite not playing a single NBA game in well over 500 days. The optics make it seem as if that's the reason for the move, but this was pre-planned. As long as Bridges didn't show any issues with conditioning, he would be inserted into the starting five.

“P.J. (Washington Jr.) and I have been talking about this ever since Miles came back," Clifford said. "He’s still going to play, his minutes won’t change. P.J. will play just as many minutes as he was before, but we have to get to playing groups like we were talking about before the game. They’re going to play together, too. P.J. is all about the team. He’s extremely team-oriented. He grew up in a basketball family. He has no problems, and again, this has been something that’s been discussed since Miles came back. This was not anything that anybody wasn’t planning on.”

In 231 games as a starter, Washington has averaged 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 45% from the field and 36% from three-point land. In the 42 games he hasn't started, he's posted similar numbers, proving he's been productive in both roles. 

So how do you decide who starts? Does it really matter if they're each getting starters minutes? Yes, it does mentally at least. Some players just handle playing off the bench much better than others. Bridges can handle it, as evidenced in his first two games back, but Washington appears to feel more comfortable in that role.

"It's a valid point. I don't know if I could answer that truthfully," Clifford responded when I asked if Washington is better suited mentally coming off the bench. "I know this, is I watched him do his routine this morning and I said he's going to play well tonight. You could just see by the way he walked into the building. He's a prideful guy. He's a very, very important player for us. Fans can get upset with guys when they have a couple bad games, but the fans are no more upset than the players are. I think he walked in the building this morning, got himself ready to play, and played a really good game."

WATCH: Miles Bridges Discusses Game-Winning Shot Over Boston

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