LA Clippers: Is the new parity in the NBA fact or fiction?

Analyzing parity in the NBA and examining the argument of Dynamic Duos in the league. Are the LA Clippers clear favorites entering the forthcoming season?

The prior NBA season offered fans plenty to get excited about. Several twists all through the season followed by an unforeseen conclusion led to enormous implications that jolted the league. The failure of the Golden State Warriors to accomplish the coveted three peat caused a power shift within the league. Several unexpected player movements in a star studded free agency class, startled the NBA audience paving way to an enthralling free agency window

With superstars such as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving executing early free agency moves, it engendered a domino effect within the league. Players pushed towards teaming up in pairs in order to create a competitive league, rather than electing to sign with a favorite. This led to several teams with multiple All-Star caliber pieces, hence restoring balance to a certain degree.

However with the media pushing the narrative of parity within the league and a return to the age of ‘Dynamic Duos’, let us dive deeper and examine the landscape of the league. Does the argument of parity contain substance, or is it just a hasty assumption following the conclusion of the Warriors’ dynasty. Let’s dive deeper into the matter.

The departure of Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets and the unforeseen trade of Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies, led many to believe that the Warriors had significantly diminished in the off-season. However, the inclusion yet another All-Star, D’Angelo Russell, to a roster comprising Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green marks them as a force to be reckoned with. While the team may be light in terms of depth, nevertheless they have sufficient talent to overcome it. Additionally, with teams preferring an eight man rotation in the playoffs, a rotation of Stephen Curry, D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Willie Cauley-Stein, Kevon Looney, Alec Burks and Alfonzo McKinnie seems to contain sufficient promise to challenge for a title tilt.

The Philadephia 76ers and the Utah Jazz are also teams that could cause significant damage in the forthcoming season. Following the signing of an All Star talent in Al Horford, the Sixers boast three significant pieces, along with the potential of Josh Richardson and Tobias Harris. The Utah Jazz are another team that notably ameliorated their roster in the off-season by pulling off coups for Mike Conley Jr. and Bojan Bogdanovic.

While, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets are teams with superstar duos and a quality supporting cast having incorporated key additions of Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook respectively; Denver Nuggets are another franchise possessing a young, well rounded roster.

Portland Trail Blazers could promise to be a force to be reckoned with too, having added a defensive anchor in Hassan Whiteside to complement their dynamic backcourt. Milwaukee Bucks, the current Eastern Conference runner-ups, hold the services of the reigning MVP and former All Stars in Kris Middleton and Brook Lopez.

Finally, saving the best for last, the LA Clippers possess the toughest roster entering the upcoming season. In contrast to popular belief, the Clippers aren’t a franchise comprising a dynamic duo, but instead are a team comprising a star trio of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Lou Williams. Additionally, possessing significant depth and enormous defensive potential, the Clippers are rightfully dubbed as the favorites in the coming year.

Nevertheless, while there may be several contending teams mentioned on this list, there are six teams that could cause significant damage in the playoffs in form of the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets, each comprising two players who could feature in the NBA’s top ten list; and the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks boasting three or more pieces with All Star appearances in their roster. Come playoff time, teams with a superior eight man rotation and significant two way potential are more likely to dominate a seven game series and engender a legitimate case for the championship.

Having witnessed a dominant force in the form of the Golden State Warriors recently, a league with six genuine contenders promises an exciting watch as we gear up for the 2019-20 NBA season.