From here on in, it’s all untrue. No pretenders. No more”if a couple of things go right” aspirants. No”maybe, just perhaps” hopefuls.
Actual contenders only.
The Clippers, by virtue of being said after that debut, are just one such contender.
Free of the shadow cast by Donald Sterling and imbued with the frightening enthusiasm and impossibly deep pockets of fresh owner Steve Ballmer, the Clips will seem to lock up a top-three seed in the West again. This moment, tough, they will aspire to advance to the Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
The majority of the responsibility falls upon the recognizable shoulders of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, two players who may readily lead the Clips to another No. 1 finish in offensive performance. Together with Doc Rivers’ leadership and (hopefully) another step from DeAndre Jordan, L.A. is in excellent position for yet another deep playoff run.
There are concerns, however.
The wing positions are feeble behind J.J. Redick. Matt Barnes is supposed to start in the 3, and at age 34 that there ought to be real concerns that his 4.2 percent (yes, 4.2% ) shooting from long range during the preseason is not as a blip and more a sign that his offensive game has fallen off a cliff.
Spencer Hawes was the team’s big offseason get, and as precious as he is as a passer and floor-spacer, he will not scare anybody on protection.
If the offense remains elite and Rivers can manage his frontcourt rotation wisely, the Clippers might be marginally better than they were a year ago. That might be enough for them to achieve heights they’ve never reached before.

Read more: attworldnews.com