How do the Clippers weigh up against their fellow playoff contenders? Do they stand a genuine shot at making the playoffs? We analyze the odds.
Six years ago, the Clippers had pulled off a sizeable coup by trading for one of the greatest ever point guards to play the game. Possessing a diverse skill-set, the ‘Point God’ was the final piece in LA’s puzzle. The architect of the ‘Lob City’ era helped establish the former lottery team into a legitimate contender. While going down as one of the most successful chapters in Clipper basketball history, this group will sadly be recalled in the future for their underwhelming performances past the regular season.
Nagging injuries in crucial moments and perceivable friction within the franchise were cited as reasons for their failure. Unable to overcome this hurdle, their best alternative was to disband the All Star trio of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Fortunately, under the mentorship of the Logo, Jerry West, they reclaimed notable assets from the trades of Paul and Griffin which helped them remain in playoff contention. Further, relief from the hefty DeAndre Jordan contract will aid them in creating a ton of cap space in the near future.
Having freshly retooled their roster, the shortage of a household name deteriorates their odds of staying competitive. A fringe playoff contestant, they are likely to endure short term pains in order to maximize their long term gains. However having nearly set foot on the playoffs after countless injuries in the prior season, it would be unwise to disregard them as a candidate. Comprising a championship winning coach and a driven roster, it brands them as a plausible dark horse for the impending season.
With the Warriors, Rockets and Lakers being designated as conference favorites, the other franchises that the Clippers would have to match up against in order to secure a playoff berth have been revealed below.