Vegas Over/Under: 43.5
The Record Projection: 42-40 of fromal The Bet: Prevent but lean under
The way you feel about this over/under likely depends on one key question: Just how simple is replacing Chris Paul?
The Los Angeles Clippers did a fantastic job reloading after learning that Paul desired a death to the Houston Rockets. Not only did they manage to pry some assets from his new home in a transaction after he chosen in, however they also convinced Blake Griffin to re-sign before adding Danilo Gallinari and Milos Teodosic into the fold.
This is a gifted roster with upside and ability at just about every position. It’s far deeper than it has been in previous decades, however head coach Doc Rivers surely didn’t want to obtain depth at the expense of his team’s best player.
And that is the issue that is enduring.
Paul was not just the engine which made the Clippers run; he essentially was that the Clippers.
Patrick Beverley and Teodosic should be solid replacements in the 1, but they can not replicate his ability to run the offense perfectly.
Whether Paul was calling his own number or setting up teammates, he controlled the flow of the game in addition to anyone. It’s why LAC was a shocking 19.6 points per 100 possessions better with him around the floor in 2016-17, as well as why he finished No. 2 overall in ESPN.com’s actual plus/minus, behind only LeBron James.
His job can not be replicated.
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