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NBA: 5 teams who have decreased their stock over the summer

By Brian Sampson

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: Steve Ballmer owner of the Los Angeles Clippers cheers for his team against Utah Jazz during the first half of a basketball game at Staples Center October 30, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: Steve Ballmer owner of the Los Angeles Clippers cheers for his team against Utah Jazz during the first half of a basketball game at Staples Center October 30, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images /

5. Los Angeles Clippers

Don’t get me wrong. Besides losing one of the best players in NBA history, the Los Angeles Clippers have put together some nice pieces.

With all of their new additions, they figure to have one of the deepest rosters in the league, and that’s saying something considering the teams the Western Conference is supporting.

At point guard, they will roll out new additions Patrick Beverley and Milos Teodosic. They will give the Clippers a nice balance of defense, creativity and grit.

On the wings, they flash a plethora of players who bring unique skills to the table. Sam Dekker, Lou Williams and Danilo Gallinari join Austin Rivers and Wesley Johnson. The fact that each of those guys can play at least two positions shouldn’t be overlooked. That flexibility will provide Los Angeles with a nice advantage over their opponents.

In the frontcourt, Montrezl Harrell joins Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan to form a nice three-man rotation. Gallinari, Johnson and Dekker can also play some small-ball 4, giving them even more options.

Even with that being said, losing Chris Paul trumps any gains they made. Paul is one of the best point guards in NBA history. We should appreciate what he’s done to this team and the talent he brought.

Of course, losing key pieces like J.J. Redick and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute means the Clippers had a lot of turnover this summer. The new parts may take time to mesh or they may never mesh. Whatever the case, they won’t equal last year’s 51 wins.