The L.A. Clippers have had an extensive roster overhaul over the past year. Gone are stars Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, J.J. Redick, and DeAndre Jordan, the core that led the Clippers to consecutive playoff runs in recent team history. The exodus of these star players has definitely been taken into account by oddsmakers, who gave the Clippers a win total line of around 35 wins (35.5 at Westgate).
For Clippers consultant and NBA legend Jerry West, that is a dismal projection for a team he believes is very much capable of surpassing that line, per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.
https://twitter.com/TomerAzarly/status/1030256567885606913
It also seems that the Clippers have no desire of tanking next season, with their eyes trained on competing on a nightly basis and making the playoffs. Jerry West also noted that both he and team owner Steve Ballmer detest the idea of losing, so it could be expected that the Clippers will go all-in with their reconfigured roster next season.
https://twitter.com/TomerAzarly/status/1030256567885606913
Among the new faces on the team are Marcin Gortat, Luc Mbah a Moute, and rookies Jerome Robinson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who are going to team up with holdovers like Tobias Harris, Patrick Beverley, and Danilo Gallinari.
The Clippers went 42-40 last season and almost made it to the playoffs despite dealing with injuries and player movements. With a clearer blueprint for its future and a healthier roster, it’s fair to say the Los Angeles can make louder noises in the Western Conference than what most people expect.
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