When Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets in the offseason, a lot of questions quickly emerged about the future of the L.A. Clippers, and how they’ll be able to sustain their streak of making the playoffs without the All-Star point guard. However, the team has surprised many by becoming the last team to lose a game this season, and are currently sitting on a 4-1 win-loss slate.
Much of their success has been centered around their dynamic frontcourt tandem of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, who have dominated the boards, and also the paint for easy baskets during their games. With them leading the way, it has given Doc Rivers reason to believe that the team has enough to win it all this season. He also shared, via Zach Lowe of ESPN, that he wants to retain the services of Jordan in the future, while still having enough cap space for his other players, who may demand heftier salaries.
“We think we can win a title building around him [Jordan] and Blake. You also need room in the budget for other people.”
Griffin echoed his coach's statement, while adding the he hopes they can also be considered a title favorite, just like the other powerhouses of the Western Conference.
“We want to get into the mix” with Oklahoma City, Houston, and San Antonio, Griffin says. “I had unfinished business here. I like our identity. I like where this is going.”
Although they have only lost one game at this point, it can be argued that they it has been possible because they have not faced any of the teams Griffin wants them to be in the same conversation with. However, the Clippers still deserve a lot of credit, especially with how teams around the league have all improved their lineups during the summer.
It may be a tall order for the Clippers to make their head coach look like a genius with his belief, but if Griffin and Jordan continue their dominant ways as the season progresses, they may just surprise a lot of people by emerging as a serious contender, despite a lot of new faces added to their fold.
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