2. Los Angeles Clippers
DeAndre Jordan was by far the most important player in the Pacific Division over the offseason. Without Jordan, the Clippers would be scrambling to make the playoffs in the West because the loss of Jordan’s defensive presence, rebounding, and improved offense would hurt the Clippers. Not to mention the fact that the only other center currently on the Clippers’ roster is Cole Aldrich.
But to the dismay of the rest of the West, DeAndre Jordan changed his mind and ditched the Mavericks at the last minute to return to Los Angeles. With that, the Clippers retained their main three players and Lob City is back and better than ever.
Last year the Clippers were plagued by a lackluster bench, but that shouldn’t be the case this year. The Clippers brought in Paul Pierce, Josh Smith and Lance Stephenson, who should all provide decent scoring options beyond the big three and J.J. Redick. With a retooled roster the Clippers are once again ready to contend for the title in 2016.
Projected Record: 58-24
Next: No. 1