Pacific Division Preview

The Regular season is vastly approaching and were in the land of the Warriors and Lonzo Ball. Stay tuned to see what the Warriors record will be and if the Clippers will make the playoffs this upcoming season. If you have missed any of the other previews be sure to check it out here. http://www.ratpacksports.com/nba.

Phoenix Suns: After being included in multiple rumors for big name players the Suns didn’t need. Phoenix correctly selected Josh Jackson and didn’t follow through trading him in a Kyrie Irving package. Jackson and Devin Booker is the future of this team and eventually will have a bright one with this duo. Jackson is the next Jimmy Butler Paul George type of player with his elite defense and potential two-way ability to develop into an all-star. Eric Bledsoe needs to stay healthy to boost his trade value and would make this team downright scary at times this season. Signing TJ Warren to four years fifty million is a good deal for a young starter, Dragan Bender needs to step it up and show progress, Devin Booker will lead the league in scoring in two years. In a brutal Western Conference, the Suns will finish last in the conference and the division with a record of 24-58.

Los Angeles Lakers: All Lonzo all the time, after avoiding disaster on draft lottery night the Lakers got the player they needed. Lonzo Ball will conduct and offense that is built for him to succeed and after trading D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn Ball won’t need to worry about competition. Receiving Brook Lopez on an expiring deal was a success especially since he dramatically improved his three-point shooting last season becoming a threat on the perimeter. The Lakers don’t have any good defenders which will lead them to give up great fantasy lines to opponents on a nightly basis this will be the main cause for LA to miss the playoffs. A certain player in Cleveland if he doesn’t win the title will be heading to Laker land after the season to join forces with another all-star to kick this team into high gear. In the meantime, expect a 27-55 record and fourth place in the division.

Sacramento Kings: Since the DeMarcus Cousins trade the Kings look like a team heading in the right direction talent wise. Correctly picking De’Aaron Fox with the fifth pick in the draft and trading down so the Blazers can take potential bust Zach Collins. Signing George Hill was the right move so Fox can learn from him and will give good enough production at a position this team has lacked for many years. This season and next will be telling years to see how this young core develops with the likes of Fox, Buddy Hield and Skal Labissiere. These players will be major factors in how they look as a contender or a pretender. Look for the Kings to be improved and exciting at times to watch leading to a record of 30-52.

Los Angeles Clippers: After deciding to move on from Chris Paul, the Clippers received a bevy of talent in return for the aging star player. Patrick Beverly and Lou Williams are nice players who will fit right in and give Head Coach Doc Rivers a lot of options lineup wise to mix and match. The signing of Milos Teodosic will be a vital piece to compensate for the departure of Chris Paul. His elite passing ability and Blake Griffin’s playmaking skills will allow De Andre Jordan to be himself again. The Clippers will make it to the playoffs as the seventh seed with a record of 43-39 only to be swept by the Thunder in first round. Creating a dilemma on what to do with Jordan’s expiring contract that's due up this summer.

Golden State Warriors: The rich get richer, Golden State turned a pivotal off-season into one of the best. Retaining Andre Iguodala getting Kevin Durant to take less money and locking Stephen Curry down for long term were all expected causing to league to collectively shake their heads wondering how you can beat this team. Somehow the Warriors managed to re-sign JaVale McGee, Omri Casspi and Nick Young. Signing Young will be a blessing with getting wide open looks from three with the bench unit is unfair, Young enjoyed a terrific season from distance and will continue to do so for a team that is already unstoppable to guard. Look for the Warriors to receive a big test in the Western Conference Finals vs the Thunder. Otherwise, the Warriors will cruise through the regular season with a record of 64-18 and win the NBA Finals for a third season in a row