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LA Clippers: The Western Conference dark horse?

By Pierce Dennis

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers is defended by Joe Johnson #6 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at Staples Center on April 15, 2017 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, CA - APRIL 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers is defended by Joe Johnson #6 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at Staples Center on April 15, 2017 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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In an era where Golden State owns the Western Conference (and NBA), look for the LA Clippers to be a tough out come April

The LA Clippers looked as though they may be going into full rebuild after Chris Paul was sent to Houston for seven players and a 2018 first-round pick just before the NBA Free Agency period this past summer.

Jerry West, who joined the Clippers executive staff in June, has shaped this LA team to compete in 2017-18. In an era where Golden State owns the Western Conference (and the NBA), the Clippers will be a tough challenger come April.

Last season, LA grabbed the 4-seed in a crowded West. After being bounced by the Jazz in the first round, the Clippers future was in question. While Paul’s trade signaled the rebuild, the following transactions shows the team is standing their ground this season.

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Blake Griffin’s acceptance of a max-deal certainly relieved the worries of fans in Los Angeles.

While injuries are a concern, Griffin is quite possibly one of the most overlooked players in the league. His name recognition isn’t in question, but fans tend to look past his career 21.5 PPG and 9.4 RPG while focusing on lack of shooting, poor floor spacing and injury past. Griffin is still an elite big in this league, and the cornerstone of this franchise moving forward.

Next, a three-team deal with the Nuggets and Hawks shipped Danilo Gallinari to Los Angeles in exchange for Jamal Crawford and Diamond Stone. If Gallinari’s thumb heals correctly, the Clippers may have one of the most talented backcourts for the upcoming season.

Finally, 30-year-old Milos Teodosic signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Clippers. Teodosic was an elite scorer and passer for CSKA Moscow the past few seasons in Russia. He’ll have some adjustments to make to the NBA game, but the Serbian is a much cheaper alternative to CP3 if he pans out.

So where does that leave this Clippers roster now? Just a month away from the regular season the starting lineup could be: Patrick Beverley, Austin Rivers, Danilo Gallinari, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. That starting lineup, coupled with Milos Teodosic, Lou Williams, Jawun Evans, Sam Dekker, and Montrezl Harrell off the bench, will make noise in the regular season.

Head coach Doc Rivers was removed from his executive duties this offseason. Rivers may already be on thin ice after the feud between Chris Paul and his son. Austin playing under his father has been a source of tension for some time now, and this season may be the duo’s last if the Clippers start the slow.

With that said, I believe the fans will rally behind the Clippers when the wins pile up. The combination of new and old faces should keep their interest, even with the Lonzo show in the same arena.

Next: NBA: Ranking the 4 blockbuster trades from a frantic summer

The LA Clippers went 51-31 last season. In 2017-18, 50 wins should be the goal and enough for a 4 or 5-seed. An in-state showdown between the Warriors and Clippers would be a great scenario early in the playoffs, especially if it’s a competitive one. So while many will count this team out with the departure of CP3, look for the Clippers to be a dark horse this season.