Looking over at the NBA Western Conference, most have their attention focused on the San Antonio Spurs. Well, who wouldn't?
After snagging perhaps the best player available in NBA free agency in LaMarcus Aldridge, the Spurs also got a bonus when David West agreed to a one year veteran's minimum deal.
Of course, the team has a lot of aging players like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili, both of whom are expected to retire at any time. But the thing is the Spurs were able to juggle a mix of aging and fresh blood (with reference to the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green) further bolstered by the coming of Aldridge.
So in all, the aging players part has somehow been overshadowed.
So does that mean the Los Angeles Clippers have been overlooked?
Taking a look at the roster, the new faces on the squad include Paul Pierce and Lance Stephenson. Completing the roster are names who are not necessarily young and vigorous, but the Clippers can still compete each night with gusto.
But is it enough to stand up to the likes of the Spurs? How about a pretty young team in the defending champion Golden State Warriors? How does Doc Rivers intend to match up against the two powers in the West?
Apparently, such is a question many are asking. The Clippers are filled with talent but the age factor becomes an issue. Can these guys be durable enough to last the season?
There is also the ego side of things. Will all of these stars listen to Rivers? Doc has been known to handle such before, but do recall that they almost lost DeAndre Jordan because they "almost" took him for granted.
If the Clippers fail to make it all the way once again, they may likely find themselves retooling by next season. So knowing how chemistry works, would that not be like starting from scratch once more?
On paper, the Clippers look dangerous; as to for how long becomes another matter.
