The Golden State Warriors put together one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history on their way to winning a championship and while there has been a lot of talk about the teams that will try to catch them in the standings this season, the reality is that they still deserve to be considered the NBA title favorites. However, even the Warriors have at least one area where they could improve. Here is a look at the biggest hole to fill for all five teams in the NBA’s Pacific division.
Golden State Warriors: Post Scoring
Golden State reinforced the small-ball era identity with its dominant scoring ability and while they can score in bunches with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and company firing from the outside, they could probably use an inside presence to help their overall depth. David Lee’s salary didn’t fit in with what the Warriors wanted to do anymore so they moved him to make sure they had enough money to bring back Draymond Green. Green can do the trick from time to time and while we’ve clearly seen that it works, there is a growing group of people who wonder how the Warriors will matchup with a post-strong team like the San Antonio Spurs. Golden State would benefit from a little more offense from the units up front.
Los Angeles Clippers Wing Defense
Bringing back DeAndre Jordan was a major coup for a Clippers’ team that would have had a major hole at the position without their star center and the team did a pretty good job of addressing its depth with the additions of Smith, Paul Pierce and Lance Stephenson as well.
However, one area of concern for Los Angeles is on the wing where defense could be an issue. With Pierce getting up there in years and Stephenson an inconsistent option, this could be a sore spot. They were exploited in this area against the Houston Rockets in the playoffs last season. With teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors also looming, the Clippers better hope that Stephenson can help them defensively or they’ll be exposed here again.
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Phoenix Suns: A Superstar Scorer
The Suns are desperate to get back to the playoffs but after falling just short last season, there are obvious concerns about whether they have the talent to get there. Phoenix brought in Mirza Teletovic, Sonny Weems, Jon Leuer and Devin Booker via free agency, trades and the draft, but none of those players is a superstar, which is what this team needs the most. The team was hoping that Eric Bledsoe would develop into a franchise player on the level of some of the league’s other superstars but that hasn’t happened.
He’s consistent and he’s surrounded by a decent cast with Tyson Chandler and Brandon Knight, but for this team to get to the next level, they need a superstar scorer. Maybe that person is on the roster (Booker? Alex Len?) and maybe not. Regardless, they need another primetime player to move up the ranks.
Sacramento Kings: Guard Scoring
Sacramento made a wise decision in not trading its star center away after it seemed like they would move DeMarcus Cousins around the time of the NBA Draft. With him back, the addition of Willie Cauley-Stein and Kosta Koufos, they have a pretty impressive stable of big men. However, the backcourt needs help. While the addition of Marco Belinelli helps the shooting guard position, the Kings could still use some more help in terms of scoring guards. Ben McLemore just hasn’t developed as expected and he’s not a consistent player. The Kings need someone to take the pressure off of Rudy Gay and Cousins.
Los Angeles Lakers: The Three Spot
The Lakers are in an interesting position after adding Roy Hibbert, Brandon Bass and rookie first-round pick D’Angelo Russell – especially with last year’s first-round pick Julius Randle and Kobe Bryant both set to return from injury. Los Angeles is good but not great at nearly every position except at the three spot where they could use an upgrade. There has been talk about Kobe Bryant playing on the wing with Nick Young and Lou Williams splitting time at shooting guard, but Kobe has struggled to stay healthy and isn’t getting any younger. The Lakers are committed to turning things around and while they have made some decent additions to the roster the three spot is an area of weakness.
