NBA Power Rankings: Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers at the center of chaos

Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
13 of 24
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

12. LA Clippers

The LA Clippers would naturally be higher on this list but they have a big question mark regarding Kawhi Leonard. Without him, the Clippers are likely still a playoff team. However, with him, they’re a championship contender.

There’s no guarantee that he’s going to return this season and even when he does return, if it happens, it’s not a lock that he’s going to look like his former self. Unless Paul George because a legit superstar this season, it’s hard to see the Clippers being a top 4 seed in the West.

If Kawhi returns by the time the playoffs roll around, the Clippers could emerge as a dangerous dark horse but it’s hard to see them anything more than that at this point.