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Playoff Picture: Los Angeles Clippers

By Luke Duffy

Apr 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) talks with teammates including guard J.J. Redick (4), forward Matt Barnes (22), and center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) talks with teammates including guard J.J. Redick (4), forward Matt Barnes (22), and center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers talks with Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) in the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers talks with Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) in the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Verdict

On the surface, this team looks so strong, an appearance in the NBA Finals would seem a possibility. Unfortunately though, lurking just below that polished exterior, there lies a team with real issues. The core talent is there unquestionably, but it’s been there for a couple of years now and is yet to yield major success.

In the beginning, making it back to the playoffs and putting on a strong showing, coupled with a division crown, was enough to get fans onside. That’s not the case anymore. The Donald Sterling saga certainly didn’t help either. They can put up points in a hurry, and have a ton of experience, not to mention Doc Rivers as a coach.

But do I think they could beat the Warriors, Grizzlies, even the Spurs over seven games? Maybe one of those three if things went their way, but they’d likely have to go through two of them to make the NBA Finals. I just don’t see it, and it’s shame for this franchise. Second round exit for me. They’d want to hurry up with winning a championship as well, those Lakers will stir again, starting this summer.

Next: NBA: 10 Players Who Deserve More Appreciation

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