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*Photo via USA Today
The Los Angeles Clippers had one helluva season. They sent the San Antonio Spurs home in a classic seven game series that will stand the test of time. Their playoff high didn’t last long, as they were shocked in the second round and were sent fishing by the Houston Rockets. After one of the more memorable offseasons in recent memory, the Clippers have reloaded, rebranded and will be making multiple runs at the throne.
DeAndre Jordan’s free agency has been well documented so I’ll keep it short. He said yes to the Dallas Mavericks, and then said maybe, and then said no. So voilà, he’s back with the Clips on a 4-year deal. With DJ, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul all locked into deals that will keep them together as a core for at least 2 more seasons, the Clips have some uncertainty. However, the market and team success should keep this group together for much longer.
With the core group intact LAC will have to deal with their role players and their ugly jerseys. Majority of the roster are on deals that will expire in the next 2-3 seasons. Doc Rivers, the GM, will have plenty of decisions to make after having a strong 2015 offseason. They do owe their 2017 first rounder to the Toronto Raptors but retain all other first rounders.
Regardless of role player turnover, the Clips have one of the best Big 3s in the league which will propel them to playoff contention. However, for them to be championship contenders, role players will be critical. Good thing the Clippers are in Los Angeles, because they’ll always be able to find role players. Plan on seeing the Clippers make deep playoff runs and maybe even a championship run in the coming seasons.
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com, NBA.com, ESPN.com
Salary cap and contract information courtesy of Spotrac.com, Hoopshype.com, Basketballinsiders.com
Future draft commitments and rosters information courtesy of RealGM.com