The NBA’s Pacific Division is set at the top, but what will happen 2-5? That still needs to be settled on the court.
Despite the anticipated lack of drama at the top of the NBA’s Pacific Division this year, it’s filled with top-notch talent and intriguing storylines.
Even before the season begins, we can basically hand the Golden State Warriors the division title. After not winning a title for 39 years, the Warriors have now won three straight. Barring catastrophic injuries to multiple players, there isn’t any reason they won’t earn a fourth.
Behind them, however, is where things really begin to get interesting. The Los Angels Lakers have had one of the loudest offseasons in the NBA. They have at least three new starters entering their lineup in Lonzo Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Brook Lopez.
Their inner-city rival, the Los Angeles Clippers, figure to take a step backward with the loss of one of the best point guards in NBA history, Chris Paul. However, we shouldn’t count them out quite yet, as they made some very underrated moves this summer.
The forgotten team in California, the Sacramento Kings, definitely flies under the radar compared to their in-state counterparts. They are definitely in the process of a youth movement after acquiring Buddy Hield at the trade deadline and bringing in four more rookies within the first 34 selections of the 2017 draft.
The Phoenix Suns are also in the process of their own rebuild. Josh Jackson, this year’s fourth overall pick, was rumored to be the asking price in any deal for Kyrie Irving. Ultimately, he stayed put and will be a key piece to the puzzle moving forward. Any help he can provide this season will be a welcome addition to Devin Booker and co.
With the season yet to be written, let’s rank the teams before they ever play a minute on the floor.