The Golden State Warriors might have a hard time matching their 73-win total from last season but this club has clearly improved on paper and their focus will remain on winning another NBA championship. The Warriors should have no contest in the Pacific Division but that doesn’t mean it won’t be interesting to see how they fare along with the other four teams in their division. Here is a look at the biggest burning question for each NBA Pacific Division team.
Golden State Warriors – Is 73 Wins Achievable?
The biggest question on everybody’s mind is whether the Warriors will be able to challenge the record they set last season with 73 wins. Golden State is undoubtedly a better team with Kevin Durant in the mix but 73 wins is an incredible feat that they will undoubtedly have a tough time reaching once again. Another outstanding start could help start the conversation up again and all eyes will be on Stephen Curry, Durant and Klay Thompson to see how the touches are shared. 73 wins could be tough to hit but if they establish their chemistry early on then this team will be tough to beat.
Los Angeles Clippers – Who Starts At Small Forward?
The Clippers have a talented roster once again with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, J.J. Redick and DeAndre Jordan all back in the fold but they do have a hole at the small forward position where they have not named a starter. Paul Pierce is still a strong play off the bench but he could wear down in a starter role. Luc Mbah a Moute, Wesley Johnson and Jamal Crawford all started games at the small forward spot last season but the Clippers could use a better option. It will be interesting to see who is eventually assigned that role and whether LA can succeed without a star at that position.
Sacramento Kings – How Does The Frontcourt Fare?
The Kings have absolutely loaded up with big men and as a result they have DeMarcus Cousins, Georgis Papagiannis, Kosta Koufos, Skal Labissiere and Willie Cauley-Stein all looking to play big minutes. The other side of that equation is a severe lack of talent at the guard positions in order to help maximize the potential of their big men. How will the frontcourt fare? Too much of a good thing could turn in to a bad thing in this case as Sacramento struggles to find quality guard play to put their big men in position to succeed.
Phoenix Suns – Is This Devin Booker’s Time?
Phoenix is a team in transition in the Pacific Division but their talented small forward Devin Booker could force their hand if he builds on his finish to last season. There is a talented cast on the roster with Booker, Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight and a number of high-upside options in the front court include Alex Len and a couple of other lottery first-round picks they added in the 2016 NBA Draft.
However, Booker is the star-in-the-making. He averaged 19.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 28 games following the All-Star break a year ago and he appears primed to be a star this season if the Suns give him the opportunity he deserves. Phoenix has a strong mix of veteran talent and youth but it should be Booker’s time and the Suns will be smart to give him every opportunity to take over this team as the best pure talent on their roster.
Los Angeles Lakers – Will The Youngsters Step Up?
Kobe Bryant’s retirement has opened the door for one of the young players to step up and prove that this is their team. The question is who will step up and take on that role with a number of options in the mix? D’Angelo Russell would seem like the obvious default option but Julius Randle will be in the mix as well. Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov were brought in to compliment the young players but this will be a big year in terms of shifting the bulk of the responsibility on to the talented youngsters on this Lakers roster in the Pacific Division.
