With DeAndre Jordan back in tow, the Los Angeles Clippers have turned from a forlorn team to a potential title contender.
Considering that the team has added new swingmen in Lance Stephenson and the ageless Paul Pierce, the Clippers look a whole lot formidable than last year. Could this be the year for the Clips?
Also, Jordan is back after a sudden change of heart. Even though the initial belief was that the longtime Clippers' center would be packing his bags to join Dallas, Jordan made a u-turn and was eventually convinced to stay in Los Angeles.
Of course that didn't sit well with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban but the thing is, verbal agreements are not binding until a player officially signs the contract, which for Jordan and the clippers took place last July 9.
Just the same, seeing a lineup already featuring one of the best mutt-and-jeff tandems in the NBA today in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin just got stronger with the return of Jordan and addition of Stephenson and Pierce. But would this be enough for coach Doc Rivers to work on considering the equally interesting improvements that other teams have done in the offseason?
The Clippers have to contend with the defending champion Golden State Warriors and the new look San Antonio Spurs, not to mention that Memphis Grizzlies as well.
With the Western Conference packed and loaded, the Clippers (on paper) seem to have a more than formidable team. But in the end, it will all depend on how coach Rivers will get the Clippers' engine humming, loaded with stars that is never an easy task for any coach to work with.
But given the Rivers has proven his capabilities before, no less that topping the Western Conference and making it to the NBA Finals is an obvious goal.
With a complete team, team owner Steve Ballmer will of course want the grand prize, pressure that is surely now on coach Doc Rivers' shoulders.
Can the Clippers go all the way?
