Question #7 – Rank LA players in order of best player in the Association going into 2019-20
LeBron James was recently “disrespected” after a group of 20 NBA coaches, scouts and executives failed to list him as one of the best players entering the 2019-20 season. The quotes around disrespected were intentional. I don’t really think this was a sign of disrespect or that LBJ thinks much of the results. If you look at just James numbers for last season they weren’t too far off his MVP seasons. He averaged 27.4 points, 8.3 assists and 8.5 rebounds. If you average out his two MVP seasons (08-09 & 09-10) he averaged 29.1 points, 7.9 assists and 7.5 rebounds. The only difference is games played. In 08-09 he played and started in 81 of 82. In 09-10 he played and started in 76. Last season he only played and started in 55. More importantly, his team struggled. But, numbers don’t lie. LBJ is among the greatest to ever play the game and still among the very best in the game today.
Is he the best player in the Association now? Most likely not. So, who do you think is? Well, best player in Los Angeles at least.
- Kawhi Leonard
- LeBron James
- Anthony Davis
- Paul George
Those 20 NBA coaches, scouts and executives agreed with you. For the first time in franchise history, the Clippers will suit up the consensus best player in the game! The results are just another indicator that Clippers fans are realistic. Fans of other teams would vote for their player above all others because, well, hes their player! Clippers fans tend to lean more towards realistic expectations.
Answer #7 – The best basketball player in Los Angeles, and in the Association, is Kawhi Leonard
Question #8 – If both LA teams make the playoffs in 202 and they are pitted against each other, what round will they meet in?
I loved this question. It sorta comes at you from a few different angles. First off, it makes you think about standings, which as you start to guess how the Western Conference will end up is no small task. But then, its a “thinker” in that you have to know what the first place team is matched against the eighth place team in the first round. In other words, if you think LAC and LAL will meet in the first round its an indication you think one, or both of the teams will a season that doesn’t meet expectations.
If one team finishes first and the other eighth, obviously one team didn’t quite live up their expectations. If one finishes fourth and the other fifth though, they still meet in the first round and then both teams likely under-achieved.
See, its a thinker!
On top of being realistic, Clippers fans also know the game. Only 7% said LAC and LAL would likely meet in the first round. 56.6% said the “Hallway Series” would happen in the Western Conference Semi-Finals while 33.3% said they would meet for a chance to go the Finals in the Western Conference Finals.
Can. You. Imagine!
Regardless of where these two teams meet, a playoff battle against these two franchises will be epic. It’s not easy to get Los Angeles’ attention, we have a lot going on here. But should that happen then LA will be hopping like never before!
Answer #8 – The Clippers v. Lakers playoff battle will happen in the Western Conference Semi-Finals
Part 2!
In part two we will share your thoughts on if the Clippers can win if either of their new big two miss a significant amount of time in the regular season. We will share your predictions for the finals Western Conference standings, not an easy thing to do considering all the changes in the conference this off-season. If the Clippers make the Finals, who do you think they will match up against? Do the Clippers even make it to the Finals?
Your answers to these questions and more coming up in Part 2!