Contenders and Pretenders: Making sense of the NBA’s crowded field

Los Angeles Clippers

After acquiring All-Stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard while retaining point guard Patrick Beverly, the Los Angeles Clippers emerged as one of this offseason’s biggest winners. Not only is this roster extremely talented, but it is incredibly deep. Los Angeles boasts perhaps the best second unit in the NBA, led by the lethal pick and roll duo of Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams.

The starting lineup consists of three of the NBA’s best defenders in Leonard, George, and Beverly. Head coach Doc Rivers can use these three as defensive chess pieces to stifle opposing stars without sacrificing offensive production, as Leonard and George each averaged well over 25 points per game last season.

Landry Shamet figures to provide exceptional perimeter scoring once again, while other role players like Maurice Harkless, JaMychal Green, and Ivica Zubac can also be solid contributors in more limited roles.

The Clippers seemingly have no flaws on paper, with a troika of fantastic scorers in George, Leonard, and Williams, and a defensive group that is not only the best in the league today, but possibly the best in recent history.

It is abundantly clear that the Clippers will contend for a championship both this year and in the near future. After all, Leonard is arguably the best player in the world at the moment while George just finished third in MVP voting. Add these two to a 48-win team from just a season ago, and this team is not just a contender, but a clear title frontrunner.

Verdict: Contender