NBA: Way-too-early championship contender rankings for 2021

7. LA Clippers

It’s been a fall from grace for the LA Clippers who a year ago were the talk of championship aspirations because of the additions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Now, they have Ty Lue at head coach, a potential departure of Montrezl Harrell to free agency looming, and dissension from the team’s consolatory parts about Leonard’s in-season rest policy.

The Clips have the talent on the roster to compete for an NBA title, but the team’s frontcourt has more questions than answers. If Harrell walks for free agency, his point production has to be made up by his running mates. Ivan Zubac taking the next step inside is more than unlikely meaning Marcus Morris may have to revert back to his earlier days in the league when it came to being an aggressive scorer.

Ultimately, the team goes as far as Leonard and George takes them. During their 3-1 collapse to the Nuggets, George was a complete no-show and Leonard joined him in a forgettable Game 7 brick show. Their availability and continuity in the regular season are necessary for the team to develop continuity for the postseason. From there, it’ll be a wide-open but grueling task to emerge as a Larry O’Brien Trophy winner.