Los Angeles Clippers: 2013-14 NBA Preview
Is Doc Rivers the missing piece of the puzzle for the Los Angeles Clippers? (Flickr.com photo by Keith Allison)
2012-13 vitals: 56-26, first place, Pacific Division; lost in first round of playoffs.
PPG: 101.1/Opp PPG: 94.6
2013-14 Roster
Matt Barnes –SF
Reggie Bullock – SG
Darren Collison – PG
Jamal Crawford – SG
Jared Dudley – SG-SF
Willie Green – SG
Blake Griffin – PF
Ryan Hollins – C
DeAndre Jordan – C
Byron Mullens – C
Chris Paul – PG
J.J. Redick – SG
Maalik Wayns – G
Offseason additions
Coach Doc Rivers (acquired from Boston); G Darren Collison (FA); F Jared Dudley (Trade); C Byron Mullens(FA); G J.J. Redick (sign-and-trade); F Reggie Bullock (Draft)
Offseason substractions
G Eric Bledsoe, F Caron Butler (traded to Phoenix); G Chauncey Billups (signed with Detroit); DaJuan Summers (waived); C/F Ronny Turiaf (signed with Minnesota)
Projected Starters
PG – Chris Paul
SG – J.J. Redick
SF – Matt Barnes
PF – Blake Griffin
C – DeAndre Jordan
Season Outlook
For the Clippers, the problem is not the regular season; it’s what happens after.
In the two seasons that Chris Paul has been with the Los Angeles Clippers, Coach Vinny Del Negro led the Clippers to fourth in opponent points per game (94.6), a 96-52 record – 56 wins last year alone – and the Pacific Division title for the first time in franchise history. However, he was never able to meet the lofty championship expectations in Lob City. Thus he was sent on his way after the Memphis Grizzlies knocked them in the first round out of the 2013 NBA Playoffs.
Whether or not he was given enough time to work his magic is another matter given the progress the team was making, but alas the deed was done and the coach of the 2008 NBA champions, Doc Rivers assumed his role.
Despite the loss of several key pieces such as Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler, the Clippers did add sharp shooters J.J. Redick in a sign-and-trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and veteran Jared Dudley, in addition to retaining the services of Chris Paul. In doing so, owner Donald Sterling has now committed over $200 million to his two star players and the expectations are now higher than ever for L.A.’s “other” team.
Best Case scenario
DeAndre Jordan develops an offensive game that consists of more than just dunks and drastically improves last year’s dreadful 38.6 percent free throw rate. Or at the very least, he dominates on the boards and defensive end as a center with his size and athletic prowess should.
Blake Griffin continues to improve his outside shot to the point where he is a threat both inside and outside, which will enable him to do this even more so than he already is.
Doc Rivers brings the championship winning experience and charisma to turn the Los Angeles Clippers into an NBA Championship winning franchise – I bet you never thought you would hear that.
Worst Case Scenario
DeAndre Jordan continues to be an offensive liability and gets traded. Blake Griffin’s scoring continues to decline and injuries derail the Clippers.
The loss of Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler proves too much to overcome and even with Jamal Crawford’s creativity and J.J. Redick’s shooting, L.A. doesn’t have enough sparks during cold streaks.
Doc Rivers and Chris Paul don’t see eye to eye (a la Rajon Rondo) on certain decisions and the Clippers fall at the first hurdle in the playoffs… again.
Predicted finish
55-27, 1st in Pacific Division, 3rd in Western Conference. Lose in the Western Conference Finals.