Clippers are a championship team and don’t need to make a big trade or trade for Harden. Russ fits the team like a glove.
The Clippers have the perfect 9 man rotation with Russ, PG, Kawhi, Roco and Zubac with Bones, Mann, Powell and Plumlee going to the playoffs. If everyone is healthy, I don’t see any team beating the Clippers.
The reason I feel the Clippers will win the chip cause their bench is loaded. There’s no team in the NBA with a bench scoring trio of Bones, Mann and Powell that can give you 60+ on any given night.
Not only can the bench trio space the floor by shooting the 3, the trio can create their own shot off the dribble & playmake. Also Plumlee is a great backup for Zubac who can defend a little, rebound, score, handle the ball and playmake at times
FMVP: RUSS, MIP: ZUBAC, DPOY: PLUMLEEEEEE
I think you’re right but ultimately it’s not enough to beat the other championship caliber teams if they’re healthy. I think the Nuggets, Warriors, and Suns are probably better in the West.
I think this team would benefit from better 4s and 5s.
Staying Healthy is our biggest enemy. A Healthy and consistent Clippers team is great and are contenders .
I think they are contenders as it stands. Harden may raise the ceiling or there is also a chance it would reduce it a little.
Golden State is too small / lost their edge / has bad luck charm CP0
Phoenix has no point guard. Booker is competent as the point but I think there will be a collateral effect of him wearing down.
Denver is solid I would say they are the favorite. It remains to be seen if they can compensate for the loss of Bruce Brown although Christian Braun and Peyton Watson are some good candidates.
Sacramento is solid as well… But I don’t think they’re any more solid than the Clippers.
Mavs? We got their number.
Memphis lost Steven Adams for the year so they are a little thin up front.
Lakers are solid too but I don’t think they are any better than the Clippers.
Assuming healthy, I think they have as good a chance as everyone except for maybe Denver.