Los Angeles Clippers (Southwest Division)
Last year’s result: Regular Season (57-25). Lost in Western Conference Semifinals to Oklahoma City Thunder in 6 games.
Significant players added: Spencer Hawes, Jordan Farmar, C.J. Wilcox (Rookie)
Significant players lost: Darren Collison, Danny Granger
Projected starting lineup: Chris Paul, J.J. Reddick, Matt Barnes, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan
Analysis: Coming off a terrific regular season, the Clippers fell to the Thunder in six games. However, Lob City looks more dangerous than ever, signing center Spencer Hawes to a four-year, $23 million deal. Last year with Cleveland, Hawes averaged a respectable 13 points and eight boards (20 and 12 per 48 mins). Doc Rivers has the luxury of bringing Jamal Crawford and Spencer Hawes off the bench, which makes the Clippers one of the deepest teams not only in the West, but in the entire league. C.J Wilcox, whom they took with the 28th pick, is an excellent catch and shoot player who stands to benefit playing alongside with Chris Paul. While they did lose CP3’s backup, Darren Collison, to Sacramento, they replaced him with veteran Jordan Farmar. The Clippers look more dangerous than ever.
Grade: A-