We’ve seen most of these role players, Zu, Mann, Norm, Batum, and while solid players, not enough to be better than the sum of their parts. I’m not sure the other pieces added (DJJ, KPJ, Dunn) are enough to vault themselves into that contender status.

While teams like the Celtics and Nuggets get grouped as “stars” and “role” players, there are still huge shades of grey inbetween those definitions. Clippers have always lacked the elite role players (Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Aaron Gordon, level of players). Maybe Zu can take another step forward into a more 2-way center. Feels like we’ve been waiting for Mann to be that guy, but he seems satisfied in his role. KPJ maybe has some of that upside, if he continues to improve. Or hope you hit a homerun with the pick in Cam Christie/Jordan Miller/Kobe Brown. But feels like Clippers are still lacking those “near star” level players to round out the roster.

I guess I could bank on the addition of JVG to really flip the team’s defense, but it’s still Ty in that head chair. I was probably in favor of moving on from Ty, but not sure I would have the confidence in another coach to be a real difference maker. I wish they kind of overhauled the whole assistant staff, get rid of Shaw and Larry Drew too and bring in some new voices.

OKC is the only team that looks better than last season so far.

I really liked the way that you shouted out Bones too. And it’s nice to hear that he can play with Kris Dunn.