NBA Teams with Most to Prove: Los Angeles Clippers

By: Faisal Quyyumi, contributing intern (@_faisalquyyumi)

Keeping up with the Los Angeles Clippers this summer was like trying to find Big Foot; basically mission impossible. Despite Jordan verbally stating that he would play in his home-state of Texas for the Dallas Mavericks, he instead ended up resigning to the only place which he has called his home in the NBA; Los Angeles.

The Clips offered him a four-year deal worth $88 million, which he eventually agreed to after talking to head coach Doc Rivers, owner Steve Ballmer, teammates Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, J.J. Reddick, and Paul Pierce. They all met with him at his house in Houston and agreed not too leave until 12:01 a.m. on July 9th, which is when the moratorium was lifted, in which Jordan officially re-signed with the team.

Now with their centerpiece back, they have added relentless talent with one of the deepest benches in the NBA. Last year the team led the league in offensive rating when Chris Paul, J.J. Reddick, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan were playing together. With many more two-way guards joining the Clips, you can expect the same from them next season. The team has added Wesley Johnson who previously played for their inner-city rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, former NBA Champion Paul Pierce, former Slam Dunk Contest Champion Josh Smith, and one of the most pestering defensive-minded guards, Lance Stephenson.

The Clippers have now gained exactly what they lacked during the playoffs; a deep and talented bench with plenty of offensive go-to players. It will be interesting too see how head coach Doc Rivers decides to manage their playing time and we can expect them to be one of the top teams among the Western Conference.