Ranking the LA Clippers among Pacific division rivals

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers dribbles as he is guarded by Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Staples Center on May 06, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers dribbles as he is guarded by Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Staples Center on May 06, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Feb 26, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) brings the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) brings the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

The LA Clippers will likely be in the best division in basketball this year.

The Pacific division was arguably the best division last year, and will now have four championship contenders in it this season.

The top four teams in the division dealt with injuries either in the regular or postseason last year, and will be getting healthier as the season goes on this year. It’ll be tough to compete with this type of tough competition, but it’ll only make the Clippers stronger.

No. 5 team in the Pacific Division: The Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings have nothing on the LA Clippers coming into this season.

I like some of their young core, as guys like De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, and Tyrese Haliburton have a lot of potential. I even think that former No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley still has some potential he can fulfill.

They’re so far behind the rest of the pack, however, as they won just 31 out of 72 games last year. I didn’t see any major offseason changes that are going to have a major impact on the franchise this season.

Their 15 year playoff drought is the longest in the NBA, and even then, they didn’t even get out of the first round that year in 2006.

I think the Kings can keep trying to build for the future, and can turn this around through drafting well. I just don’t see them faring well this season due to all the matchups against the four better teams in this division that they’ll have to play in. The Western Conference is incredibly difficult.