9. LA Clippers
I’m not sure when the last time, if ever, the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were entering the start of the season completely healthy – perhaps their first season with the LA Clippers. That appears to be the case at the moment and it should have Clippers fans excited about their chances of finally delivering a championship to the city. When healthy, PG and Kawhi are as good of a duo as there is in the NBA. The problem for the Clippers is that they’ve rarely been healthy.
If the Clippers can remain healthy, this is a team that has the potential to be a real threat to win the Western Conference – even after the additions that the Phoenix Suns made during the offseason. But that’s far from a guarantee. Let’s also not forget that there’s a chance the Clippers could add James Harden, Malcolm Brogdon, or even Jrue Holiday at some point this season – LA has been linked to each of those players.
The Clippers will factor in how the West is won this season. This may finally be the year when it all comes together for LA.