NBA Pacific Division: What to know heading into training camp
In one of the most competitive divisions in the NBA, this year’s Pacific Division will be one many fans should look out for this season. Being that nearly four out of the five teams in this division made the playoffs/play-in tournament last season. You should expect at least one of these teams in this division to be a perennial title contender this year.
Coming off a disappointing season, plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. The Los Angeles Lakers and Rob Pelinka took a new approach this offseason; rebuilding the roster with older veterans, familiar faces, and young assets. Such names include Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard, Malik Monk, and Kendrick Nunn just to name a few. The Lakers as well reconstructed their coaching staff adding David Fizdale and John Lucas III. Although the roster is brand new, the leaders of this team will still be LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and their newest superstar acquisition Russell Westbrook.
Heading into training camp on Sept. 28, the Lakers have to build chemistry, understand their team identity, and adjust to Vogel’s defense system. Because although the team added talented shooters, what made the 2019-2020 Lakers championship team strong was their defense. For the 2020-2021 roster although the team lacked a ton of strengths, I believe their offense was the weakest part of the team. Hopefully, with James organized Las Vegas minicamp similar to that of 2019-2020, the team strengthen their chemistry and start this season strong.
Entering this season, the Golden State Warriors are an improved squad looking to build upon their success from last season. With most of the roster back as well as the additions of Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Otto Porter Jr, Nemanja Bjelica, and a returning Andre Iguodala. The Warriors this season can be a serious threat in the Western Conference.
Heading into training camp this season, I’d expect the Warriors to continue their rhythm, get the new players adjusted to their roles, and work on chemistry especially with Klay is coming back. Questions I have for the Warriors this season are whether Steph can continue to his MVP-like season last year into year 13, Can Andrew Wiggins continue his excellent shooting rhythm, will Kuminga or Moddy step up, will Wiseman have a great second-year or digress, and lastly, how will Klay perform this season?
If you would like to read more about the Warriors and injury updates on Klay and James Wiseman. Click this link to read Lucas Ericksen’s article about the Warriors heading into training camp.
As the reigning Pacific Division and West Conference Champions, the Phoenix Suns this offseason decided to run it back with the same team resigning Chris Paul while adding JaVale McGee, Elfrid Payton, and Landry Shamet. The Suns last season finished as the second seed, surprising many fans and opponents. In a way, you may call it the Chris Paul effect, but overall the Suns last season were elite and deserved to be in the NBA Finals. The question now is “Will they return?” or “How can they improve on last season?”
Heading into training camp, the Suns will likely improve as an elite core and play their way into a potential playoff spot this season. With Chris Paul and Monty Williams leading the helm, combined with two prominent stars in Booker and Ayton, in addition to a talented supporting cast. The Suns hopefully can continue to be contenders in a tough Western Conference as the last team to repeat as Pacific Division and Western Conference Champions were the 2018-2019 Golden State Warriors.
Last season, the Clippers went through a roller coaster of a year with some major highs and lows. Highs that came from last season were that the Clippers found their identity and the emergence of Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann. Reggie Jackson in the playoffs averaged 17.8 PTS while shooting 48.4% FG, 40.8% 3PT, and 87.8% FT. Terance Mann also had a career-high averaging 7.6 PTS while shooting 52% FG, 43% 3PT, and 71% FT. Not to mention his career-high 39 PTS versus the number 1 seeded Jazz in game six of the playoffs. In the offseason, the Clippers retained their core players while adding veterans in free agency and young players through the draft. The most notable names include Eric Bledsoe (replacing Patrick Beverly), former top 10 pick Justise Winslow, rookies Keon Johnson, Jason Preston, and Brandon Boston Jr.
Heading into training camp, I believe the Clippers should address their health as the team last season load managed and went through several games in which their starters did not play together. Questions I have for Clippers revolve around my concern about their health especially with Kawhi’s ACL injury. Will Paul George again step up? Who will be the team’s second-leading scorer with Kawhi out?
Luckily under Tyronn Lue and the success they had last season, the Clippers should be competitive and not team to underestimate in the Western Conference
As the Sacramento Kings continue to rebuild their roster into a playoff caliber team. The Kings as an organization had to take a forward step this offseason. After finishing with an identical record of 31-41, the Kings resigned Richaun Holmes, Moe Harkless, Terence Davis, Alex Len, traded for Tristan Thompson, and drafted former Baylor point guard Davion Mitchell with the ninth overall pick in this years draft.
One thing to note about Kings last season was that although the team did not improve record wise, players such as De’Aaron Fox, Richaun Holmes, Harrison Barnes, and Terence Davis showcased improvement and were players who took positive leaps last season. Rookie Tyrese Haliburton who played 58 games last season due to an injury was a really impressive rookie, who showcased an all-around skillset earning NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Heading into the training camp, It is tough to tell the direction the organization is going under head coach Luke Walton. Something I do know however is that with a young star like Fox and serviceable players such as Hield, Holmes, Haliburton, and Mitchell. The Kings will not be a team you should expect to see at the bottom but as a possible team that can win enough games for a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
