NBA Power Rankings: The Pacific Division

Apr 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard

(3) drives to the hoop between Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) during the 3rd quarter of game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

1. Los Angeles Clippers

2013-14 record: 57-25

Key Losses: Donald Sterling (YAY!)

Key Additions: Spencer Hawes, Jordan Farmar, C.J. Wilcox

The Clippers return their core from a team that could have made the Western Conference Finals last season with another piece. The Clippers struggled to stop Kevin Durant last season, and didn’t really address that problem this offseason either. It was a bit puzzling.

The Clippers did add a backup big in Spencer Hawes. He’ll definitely be an upgrade from Glen Davis, Byron Mullens, Ryan Hollins, and who ever else played minutes along the frontline for the Clippers last season.

The Clippers have the talent to win an NBA Championship, but it’s all about execution now. Had the Clippers not gone through one of the weirdest moments in sports history during the playoffs, part of me feels like they could have made a bigger push toward winning the West. But, no one was beating the Spurs this season, so it’s a moot point.

Heading into next season, I expect Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to be playing for something more, and there play will reflect that. Griffin had his best season last year, and I expect him to truly make that jump to superstar, if he didn’t already last season.

Like I said, the Clippers have the talent with J.J. Redick, Jamal Crawford, Matt Barnes, DeAndre Jordan, Farmar, and Hawes to win the West and possibly an NBA title.

They’ll have to figure out a way to stop Durant, though. I don’t know if they’ve solved that problem this offseason.