Los Angeles Clippers: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

Weakness No. 3: Conference

Given that the Los Angeles Clippers comfortably made the playoffs last season, it seems strange to think of their conference as a major weakness. However, a few teams in the West made significant strides forward in ways that truly limit the Clippers’ playoff upside.

The Minnesota Timberwolves added Jimmy Butler without having to give up anything of value. The Denver Nuggets lost Gallo but still upgraded their frontcourt with a perfect fit in Paul Millsap. The Oklahoma City Thunder somehow managed to add Paul George and Carmelo Anthony while shedding their two worst contracts in Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter.

If the Clippers had stayed in Buffalo and remained the Braves, they would be in much better shape basketball-wise for the 2017-18 season. This team would be a clear top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.

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However, in the Western Conference they will probably be a bottom-tier playoff team with a razor-thin margin for error or injury.