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Los Angeles Clippers: 2016-17 Season Outlook

By Gerald Bourguet

November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Clippers
October 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) react against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2016-17 Roster

Alan Anderson, SG
Jeff Ayres, PF
Brandon Bass, PF
Jamal Crawford, SG
Raymond Felton, PG
Blake Griffin, PF
Brice Johnson, PF
Wesley Johnson, SF
DeAndre Jordan, C
Luc Mbah a Moute, PF
Chris Paul, PG
Paul Pierce, SF
J.J. Redick, SG
Austin Rivers, PG
Marreese Speights, C
Diamond Stone, C

Offseason Additions
Alan Anderson (free agency, Washington Wizards), Brandon Bass (free agency, Los Angeles Lakers), Raymond Felton (free agency, Dallas Mavericks), Brice Johnson (25th overall draft pick, North Carolina), Marreese Speights (free agency, Golden State Warriors), Diamond Stone (40th overall draft pick, Maryland)

Offseason Subtractions
Cole Aldrich (free agency, Minnesota Timberwolves), Branden Dawson (waived), Pablo Prigioni (free agency, Houston Rockets), C.J. Wilcox (trade, Orlando Magic)

Quick Thoughts

For the most part, the Los Angeles Clippers are pretty much the same team as last year. Their biggest summer additions will simply be getting Chris Paul and Blake Griffin back healthy, since it was their season-ending injuries that sunk Lob City’s playoff aspirations.

There are a few key bench additions to keep an eye on, however. Losing Cole Aldrich was a blow to this team’s frontcourt depth, particularly on the defensive end, but the Clippers did fairly well to expand upon a second unit that’s consistently been this team’s Achilles’ heel.

More from LA Clippers

In addition to re-signing Jamal Crawford, Austin Rivers, Luc Mbah a Moute and Wesley Johnson, Los Angeles went out and signed Raymond Felton, Brandon Bass and Marreese Speights — experienced acquisitions who will take some of the pressure off the bench regulars.

Felton allows Rivers to shift to his more natural fit at shooting guard, taking the ball handling duties away from the coach’s son and providing the Clippers with playmaking and poise. Bass is another frontcourt body who has familiarity with head coach Doc Rivers, and Speights will supply instant offense and three-point shooting off the pine.

Rookies Brice Johnson and Diamond Stone might not get much run, but they have a fair amount of upside and should be monitored with cautious optimism. As in most years, however, this team will only go as far as their Chris Paul-Blake Griffin-DeAndre Jordan trio can lead them.

Next: Storyline 1: Griffin's Redemption

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