NBA Season Preview: Superstar filled Pacific Division

Los Angeles Clippers, 1st Pacific Division

Record: 60-22

Head Coach: Doc Rivers

Key Additions/Re-signings: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Maurice Harkless, Patrick Beverley, JaMychal Green, Ivica Zubac, Rodney McGruder

Key Losses: Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Garrett Temple, Wilson Chandler

Impact Player: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

This preview is the only one where you have to mention two players as impact players. Kawhi and George bring legit stardom to this Doc Rivers led squad. We all know what Kawhi did in Toronto and San Antonio. George has yet to get to the mountain top but brings hard-nosed defense and a well-rounded offensive game. Being elite on the defensive end is the most significant impact both make for the Clippers. They can defend any player on the court.

Season Outlook: This is the best team in the West, period. They have a top-five coach. Two elite all-around players to lead a talented rest of the roster. If this team isn’t hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end, something went very wrong.

Los Angeles Lakers, 2nd Pacific Division

Record: 57-25

Head Coach: Frank Vogel

Key Additions/Re-signings: Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Danny Green, Avery Bradley, Jared Dudley, Quinn Cook, JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso

Key Losses: Lonzo Ball. Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Tyson Chandler

Impact Player: Anthony Davis

Davis is the impact player for the Lakers for one reason. Health. As in, can he stay healthy for a full season? Davis has never played an entire season in the NBA. NEVER. This injury history has a significant impact on a roster that has limited offensive firepower. He did play in 75 games the last two seasons, so if the Lakers can get that, they will be fine. We all know Davis is a top-five player and will give the Lakers the best duo in the NBA. The key to this happening is health.

Season Outlook: The Lakers are a top-heavy roster. Kuzma, LeBron, and AD are the only proven offensive weapons on this team. Alex Caruso is a maybe at best. Rajon Rondo is a shell of the player he was. This team is built like a house of cards. If one of the stars falls, the whole thing will come tumbling down. The Lakers will need to be 100% healthy the entire year if they are to bring another banner to LA.

Golden State Warriors, 3rd Pacific Division

Record: 54-28

Head Coach: Steve Kerr

Key Additions/Re-signings: D’Angelo Russell, Willie Cauley-Stein, Alec Burks, Klay Thompson, Kevon Looney

Key Losses: Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, DeMarcus Cousins, Shaun Livingston, Quinn Cook

Impact Player: D’Angelo Russell

Russell goes from lead dog to second fiddle in Golden State. If this team never became Kevin Durant’s team, then Russell must accept that now. With Klay out for most, if not all of the year, Russell will need to provide punch on the offensive end and increase his defensive game. He has the tools to be useful in Kerr’s system.

Season Outlook: No matter what anyone says, this team is no longer a championship-caliber club. Even with Steph still, the lead man and Draymond causing havoc. Even if Klay can suit up ay some point, he will likely no be the player he was until the knee is 100%. This yar is a retooling year for the Warriors. Steph Curry and D’Angelo are not enough to keep the Warriors streak of Finals appearances alive.

Sacramento Kings, 4th Pacific Division.

Record: 44-38

Head Coach: Luke Walton

Key Additions/Re-signings: Trevor Ariza, Dewayne Dedmon, Cory Joseph, Richaun Holmes, Harrison Barnes

Key Losses: Willie Cauley-Stein, Alec Burks

Impact Player: De’Aaron Fox

Fox took a monster step as a player last year. This year he will need to take hold of his team and become the undisputed leader. With more consistency and help around him, the expectation is another considerable year, statistically. But Fox must help his coach put guys in the right place on both ends. He must take control of a game when they need him. This team’s built around him, so it is time for him to take charge.

Season Outlook: After a breakout campaign Buddy Hield wants to be paid, and he is making sure everyone knows. Harrison Barnes is back on a big contract. They added veteran depth in Ariza, Joseph, and Dedmon to help the young stars. All of these moves give them a chance to sneak into the playoffs in a tough western conference — lots of questions and talent in Sacramento.

Phoenix Suns, 5th Pacific Division

Record: 25-57

Head Coach: Monty Williams

Key Additions/Re-signings: Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric, Aron Baynes, Cameron Johnson, Frank Kaminsky, Kelly Oubre Jr.

Key Losses: T.J. Warren, Josh Jackson, De’Anthony Melton

Impact Player: Ricky Rubio

Ricky is the impact player for the Suns because he is a veteran floor general. The Suns need the veteran point guard to take control of getting the young guys to play the right way. Rubio will never be the star everyone thought he would, but he could be just what this ultra-talented, insanely young team needs. A leader on the court. If not, expect another long year in the desert.

Season Outlook: The Suns look like a team still figuring out what type of team they are building. They have collected young talented pieces everywhere but have yet to show much improvement over the last few seasons. Monty Williams is now in place at head coach in an attempt to tap into the potential of this team. They brought veterans Aaron Baynes and Ricky Rubio to add some experience on the court and in the locker room. This team should be better, but will likely end up in the lottery once again.

Next: Southwest Division

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