22. LA Clippers
Many were quick to call the LA Clippers a disaster after losing their first five games with James Harden in the lineup. However, I’d say it’s too soon to tell if the Clippers truly might’ve pushed their poker chips all in too quickly. And maybe their win over the Houston Rockets will jump-start this team into greener pastures this season. The mature decision of Russell Westbrook to request to come off the bench should help matters too.
For as much talent as the Clippers have on their roster, it’s insane to count this team out this quickly. Are they undergoing a learning process and a rough stretch? Sure. But you’re telling me that a team with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden isn’t going to figure it out one way or another?
I have a hard time believing that. For now, the Clippers are sitting toward the bottom of this power rankings list. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re much higher when we revisit this list in a couple of weeks.