He’s just one of those guys. He’s a sunshine guy. Some guys bring sunshine to the room when they walk in and some of theses guys (media members) bring in darkness when they walk in. I’m not pointing fingers. – Doc Rivers
SALT LAKE CITY — Joe Ingles insists it wasn’t weird for him to return to Los Angeles to play against the team that cut him a week and a half ago. He even claims to be happy that it turned out this way.
The Utah Jazz are, too.
And the Clippers? They kinda wish they could have a redo.
“I like him,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said before Monday’s 107-101 win over Ingles and his new team. “We were definitely trying to find ways to keep him. I think he’s going to be a good player.”
The problem for Ingles was that the Clippers had an overfull roster and had to make a hard decision before final rosters were due to the NBA office with between 13-15 players.
Rivers believes the Australian small forward “would’ve found his way on the floor with us” if L.A. could’ve held on to the 27-year-old.
“I just think a guy that knows how to play when you put him on a good team, he can be really good,” Rivers continued. “And he’s a great guy that you want on your team.”
The Jazz agree. In fact, Ingles had only participated in one full Jazz practice after being claimed off of waivers by Utah before being inserted into the regular rotation with the second unit.
Coach Quin Snyder had seen Ingles’ value while he was an assistant coach with CSKA Moscow two years ago and the 6-8 player was with Euroleague champion Barcelona.
“We had a need (for another wing). There’s always guys that you recognize their ability and circumstances don’t allow you to keep them,” Snyder said of the Clippers’ situation. “But from that standpoint for us, he’s a settling influence (with) his ability to pass the ball. … He’s obviously a good fit for our group.”
Rivers admitted the Clippers were hoping nobody would claim Ingles off of waivers while they tried to figure out a way to re-sign him, which would’ve required cutting a player. He laughed and blamed former Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor.
“We took the game and lost if you want me to be frank. We thought we could sneak him,” Rivers said, adding that the Clippers waived him during a busy time when perhaps others might not notice the transaction. He added about the Jazz, “They won.”
You won’t hear any complaints from Ingles, who’s been reunited with his Australian national teammate and roommate Dante Exum in Utah. He’s also getting playing time quicker than expected, having played in all four games while averaging 10 minutes and 1.8 assists.
“I don’t regret anything about what happened or what I did or anything,” Ingles said. “I did all I can to make the team and wasn’t what they (Clippers) wanted or good enough or whatever it was, so it worked out perfectly. I’m very happy here (with Utah). It’s been great.”
Ingles credited Snyder for being a detail-oriented coach who’s helping the young Jazz group learn the importance of “the little things” it takes to become winners.
“He’s a perfect guy for this situation,” Ingles said.
So, did the older rookie, who’s played professionally in four countries, have a recollection of his new bench boss from Europe? “Yeah, yeah,” he said, smiling. “We didn’t scout the assistant coaches, but … I knew him anyway.”
Rivers said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Jazz “already love him” despite their short time together.
“He’s just one of those guys. He’s a sunshine guy,” Rivers said. With a grin, he added, “Some guys bring sunshine to the room when they walk in and some of theses guys (media members) bring in darkness when they walk in. I’m not pointing fingers.”
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