NBA: Ranking the top 10 contenders to begin the 2019-20 season
By Marc Sherman
2. LA Clippers
The news that shocked the whole league this offseason was Kawhi Leonard’s surprise decision to join with the Clippers. Leonard agreed to a three-year, $103 million max contract – and the Clippers weren’t don’t just yet.
The league was stunned when the Clippers also executed a blockbuster trade with Oklahoma City to acquire Paul George in a deal that altered the landscape of the NBA. And just like that, the Clippers became the league favorites to contend for a title.
Last season the 48-34 Clippers challenged the fully loaded Warriors in the first round, ultimately, falling in six games. Now, with the season nearing, the Clippers have added two perennial superstars in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to an already established playoff team.
With the exception of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari, the Clippers kept the core of their team intact while adding the Finals MVP and an All-NBA first-teamer.
With this pairing, the Clippers possess the two best two-way players in the league, one of the best coaches in the business, and, arguably, the best bench the NBA has to offer.
How can you do better than this team?
On paper, this team looks like the best in the league. They have no weaknesses at any spot on their team; this may be the most perfectly constructed roster in the NBA.
The West is loaded with talent and, as of now, I anticipate a battle between the two LA clubs in the Western Conference Finals.
Stay tuned to find out if the Klaw continues his league-wide dominance on the west coast this season, as he continues his path towards the best player in the NBA.