Vegas Over/Under: 43.5
Fromal’s Record Projection: 42-40 The Bet: lean although Prevent under
The way you feel about this over/under likely depends on one key question: Just how simple is replacement Chris Paul?
The Los Angeles Clippers did a great job reloading after learning that Paul wanted a departure to the Houston Rockets. Not only did they manage to pry some assets away from his new home in a trade after he opted in, however they also convinced Blake Griffin into re-sign before incorporating Danilo Gallinari and Milos Teodosic to the fold.
This is a gifted roster with ability and upside at pretty much every position. It is far deeper than it has been in previous decades, however head coach Doc Rivers certainly didn’t want to acquire depth at the cost 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 basically was the Clippers.
Patrick Beverley and Teodosic should be solid replacements at the 1, but they can not replicate his ability to run the offense perfectly.
Whether Paul was calling his own band or setting up teammates, he controlled the flow of the game in addition to anyone. It’s the reason LAC was a shocking 19.6 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor in 2016-17, in addition to why that he finished No. 2 overall in ESPN.com’s real plus/minus, behind only LeBron James.
His job can not be replicated.
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