There's another L.A. Team?

Is this the beginning of another formidable team in the West? With the addition of Chris Paul, the Clippers now have a complimenting player to Blake Griffin, not to mention a leader, experience, and arguably the best true point guard in the league. I don't see how it can't be said that the Clippers have a chance to be "the best" team in town... at least for the forseeable future. I will say I had my doubts about Blake Griffin when he came into the league but the guy has developed into a force down low, yes he still has some work to do with his offensive game but with the ability of Chris Paul to run the pick and roll so precisely, Griffin should make large strides in improving his overall game.

Along with the big addition of Paul, the Clippers also signed DeAndre Jordan, Caron Butler, and Chauncey Billups. Jordan is a rising young talent and just as Griffin, Jordan should grow as a player playing alongside Paul. Jordan is still a "raw" type of player but has potential to grow into a respectable center, hes the type of player who will flourish with Paul's ability to work in the open court. Jordan isn't big on producing on his own, so Paul's pick and roll skills and passing abilities will open up Jordan's opportunities. Although Butler is coming off a season that dealt with a nagging knee injury, he also brings a veteran presence to the locker room. As long as Butler is able to stay healthy he adds an athletic guy out on the wing for the Clippers. Another veteran guy who is going to be a detrimental component in the locker room is Chauncey Billups, moving into a lesser role on a team is something Billups will have to adjust to but it's a role that Billups should embrace and should fall into place nicely.

Add some young talent and veterans, such as, Eric Bledsoe and Mo Williams and this Clippers team looks like one on the rise. Yes, there is going to be some adjusting time but when the pieces start to come together don't be surprised if the "other" LA team begins to move up in the Western Conference. With the Lakers aging and trade talks beginning to take their tole on the team, along with the number of questions surrounding Andrew Bynum, the Clippers make their move at the right time. It should be an interesting short season and don't be surprised to see Griffin and Paul gel faster than expected, if they generate some chemistry early there might be a new dynamic duo in the NBA and for years to come.