NBA · 1 year ago

NBA Power Rankings: How Far Do Clippers Fall in Top 20?

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

20. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are doing the right thing by not rushing their rebuild, but the stars are aligning for the Spurs. Still, even though the rest of the roster isn’t fully put together, none of that may matter if Victor Wembanyama ascends as a top ten player in the world this season. This offseason, adding veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes were wise in an effort to develop and mentor the young pieces, while drafting Stephon Castle at No. 4 overall was a slam dunk pick. It may be too early for the Spurs to challenge the top Western Conference teams, but they’ll certainly fight hard for one of the coveted bottom playoff spots.
1. Boston Celtics
The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics didn’t have to do anything drastic this offseason, with their entire team essentially locked up. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White were handed lucrative contract extensions, while guys like Sam Hauser and Xavier Tillman were retained on the bench. Baylor Scheierman was their first-round selection, and given his experience playing all four years at Creighton, I wouldn't be surprised to see him crack the rotation as a rookie.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
After the Boston Celtics, multiple teams have an argument for being the league’s second-best team, but we’re going with the Philadelphia 76ers as they’re widely considered to be the biggest winners of this season with their moves. On paper, the big three of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George should be a seamless fit, and with Kelly Oubre Jr. and Caleb Martin rounding out the starting five, the 76ers aren’t afraid to match their starting five up against anyone. The bench remains a work in progress, but Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, and Jared McCain will give the 76ers a strong starting point. Obviously, nothing matters if they all aren’t healthy come playoff time, but for now, they are.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder shattered expectations last offseason, ultimately earning the West’s No. 1 seed before falling in the second round to the Dallas Mavericks. Instead of making drastic changes to the chemistry and foundation of the roster, the Thunder opted to acquire Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, two guys who help fill the Thunder’s biggest holes. We need to see Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren continue to emerge as scoring threats alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but from top to bottom, the Thunder deserve to be the Western Conference favorites heading into the season.
4. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks went for the home run this offseason by acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets to pair him with his former Villanova teammates. Frankly, I am a little concerned by how much the Knicks gave up for Bridges since I don’t view him as the number two scoring option they need to compete for a championship, but if it ultimately works out on the court, who cares about the picks? Retaining OG Anunoby can’t be ignored either, as the Knicks have assembled a group of lethal wing players. Still, despite how deep the Knicks may be, I can’t help but ignore the new hole at the center position with Isaiah Hartenstein leaving for Oklahoma City. As the Knicks will need to go through Joel Embiid and Kristaps Porzingis to make the NBA Finals, I need to see some center reinforcements eventually.
5. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks ultimately were no match for the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, and they went into this offseason wisely, thinking they needed to make changes. I’m in the minority, but I view Naji Marshall as an upgrade over Derrick Jones Jr., and I’m excited to see the physicality he’ll add to this lineup. Plus, the addition of Klay Thompson will add another level to the Mavericks’ scoring punch. Most importantly, though, Luka Doncic will need to take better care of his body, as this team will ultimately go as far as he can take them.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves were the talk of the postseason until the Dallas Mavericks ran them out of the gym in the Western Conference Finals. Led by Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves continue to build something special. This summer, they opted to build through the draft instead of free agency, drafting two dynamic scoring guards, Rob Dillingham and Terrance Shannon Jr., in the first round. They should both see solid minutes as rookies, boosting the Wolves' offensive production overall.
7. Denver Nuggets
In a highly competitive Western Conference arms race, the Denver Nuggets are the only team at the top we can confidently say got worse. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope isn’t a star by any means, but he’s an invaluable piece to the puzzle who can’t be replaced easily. While the Nuggets weren't going and probably shouldn't match the Magic's offer, at the end of the day, the player is still gone. He was like a glue piece for the starting five, and I can’t just imagine that Christian Braun will be able to slide in and avoid a drop-off. Maybe he will ultimately perform like the Nuggets need him to; I just need to see it and believe it.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
It seems like the Milwaukee Bucks may be the most forgotten NBA team right now, and frankly, they deserve to be forgotten. Despite the number of wins they racked up last season, the Bucks fell far short of expectations, and understandably, they aren’t being taken too seriously amongst the NBA’s top contenders. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard could bounce back as a duo, but with Doc Rivers as head coach and no role players to be excited about, the Bucks will have to earn the NBA community’s trust back that they truly can contend atop the East.
9. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic should know they have little chance to compete in the upper-echelon class of Eastern Conference contenders, but they certainly are coming. They’ll likely battle with the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers for seeding most of the season, and anything less would be considered a step back for this team. The addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope may have been expensive, but he should be able to teach these young guys how to win.
10. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have flown under the radar all offseason, but when healthy, we know they can be one of the more dangerous teams in the Western Conference. When healthy is the caveat here, so we’ll be hopeful that Zion Williamson can come into this season healthy, fresh, and leaner. Plus, they finally got themselves a point guard they can rely upon in Dejounte Murray, which may have been one of the most underrated moves of the entire summer. If you’re looking for a fun long-shot wager, the Pelicans at +2000 to win the West has a ton of value and a price that will likely come down as the season progresses.
11. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies were a complete disaster in 2023 as Ja Morant only played in nine games, but many have unjustly dismissed the Grizzlies from competing in 2024, given the competitiveness we saw atop the West last season. Still, this squad held the No. 2 seed in 2022, and has an elite starting lineup when fully healthy. The addition of Zach Edey will be pivotal, allowing Jaren Jackson Jr. to play on the perimeter more, with a full season of Marcus Smart next to Morant yet unseen.
12. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers avoided an implosion this summer as Donovan Mitchell agreed to an extension while Darius Garland didn’t ask out, setting them up for improvement in 2024 under new coach Kenny Atkinson. They’ll need more top-end talent to emerge to compete with the Boston Celtics or others atop the East, but maybe we’ll see Evan Mobley fully live up to the five-year, $224 million maximum contract extension he just inked. If Mobley becomes a borderline All-Star, the Cavaliers could be a sleeper team to go to the Finals.
13. Indiana Pacers
Things broke the Indiana Pacers better than anyone could have expected, leading to their Eastern Conference Finals berth, but could they get that lucky once again? In all likelihood, there is no way; so many other things will need to break their way. Tyrese Haliburton will need to take another leap, Andrew Nembhard will need to improve to an above-average starting shooting guard in this league, and Pascal Siakam will need to play consistently elite basketball. Still, this quality team has proved they are not pushovers.
14. Phoenix Suns
How much can a head coaching switch change things? The Phoenix Suns crashed and burned last season and are now pushing all-in with Mike Budenholzer as the new head coach. Coach Bud will have his work cut out, as this team has no depth, chemistry, or consistency. If Budenholzer can get this team’s act together, lock him in for the Coach of the Year honors.
15. Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings’ acquisition of DeMar DeRozan didn’t get the recognition is deserved, because DeRozan has just been out of the spotlight for the past few seasons given how pathetic the Chicago Bulls have been. A big three of De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis is very formidable and the Kings have a solid group of role players around them. At the minimum, I expect the Kings to be a playoff team, but if Keegan Murray can take a giant leap, look out.
16. Los Angeles Lakers
What even are the Los Angeles Lakers expecting to do this upcoming season? Just to occupy the headlines? They’ll certainly do that, but nothing about the Lakers gives them any chance to compete atop the Western Conference standings. LeBron James isn’t getting any younger, Anthony Davis is too unreliable for an entire season, and the rest of the starting lineup leaves plenty to be desired. As intriguing of a hire as JJ Redick is as the head coach, I believe both Redick and the front office know that his presence is more for the long-term rather than winning right now.
17. Los Angeles Clippers
The LA Clippers gave up on Paul George, and are still convinced that they can compete at a high-level in the West next season. I’m not believing it, and I’m not sure many others are. We know what Kawhi Leonard is at this point in his career, and around him, do we really want to see James Harden with the ball in his hands even more? The signing of Derrick Jones Jr. should fill the void on the wing respectively, but he’s not Paul George. Let’s not act like he is.
18. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat stood pat this offseason, and it’s going to cost them big time this season. Out of all the 2024 Eastern Conference playoff teams, I believe it’s rather certain that the Miami Heat are the only team that got worse, and they seem content with that oddly enough. Jimmy Butler is even older, Tyler Herro has shown no signs that he’s able to ascend even further, and we know Bam Adebayo isn’t going to get any better. The allure of South Beach will eventually help the Heat land a star, but it’s too late for this season. Next summer, when the Heat and Jimmy Butler inevitably go separate ways, look for the Heat to swoop in and get the best player on the market.
19. Golden State Warriors
The storyline of the Golden State Warriors offseason has been the departure of Klay Thompson, but in replacing him, I don’t think the Warriors got enough credit. When healthy, De’Anthony Melton is a very underrated player given his defensive versatility and ability to both facilitate and knock down the three-ball. Plus, we know the type of shooter Buddy Hield can be. They’re also placing a ton of faith in Brandin Podziemski to take the next step alongside Steph Curry in the backcourt, so we’ll see if their gamble will pay off.
20. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are doing the right thing by not rushing their rebuild, but the stars are aligning for the Spurs. Still, even though the rest of the roster isn’t fully put together, none of that may matter if Victor Wembanyama ascends as a top ten player in the world this season. This offseason, adding veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes were wise in an effort to develop and mentor the young pieces, while drafting Stephon Castle at No. 4 overall was a slam dunk pick. It may be too early for the Spurs to challenge the top Western Conference teams, but they’ll certainly fight hard for one of the coveted bottom playoff spots.
1. Boston Celtics
The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics didn’t have to do anything drastic this offseason, with their entire team essentially locked up. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White were handed lucrative contract extensions, while guys like Sam Hauser and Xavier Tillman were retained on the bench. Baylor Scheierman was their first-round selection, and given his experience playing all four years at Creighton, I wouldn't be surprised to see him crack the rotation as a rookie.

NBA Power Rankings: How Far Do Clippers Fall in Top 20?

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