Every NBA team is looking for their own personal big three. The Celtics were the first to put one together after signing Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. They won an NBA title with that roster. Miami then followed with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. They have won two titles off of that move. Now, the Los Angeles Clippers believe they are the next big three with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Doc Rivers is pretty confident in the newly re-designed Clippers' roster. After making several offseason moves, the team now has more fire power in the starting lineup as well as quality sitting on the bench. However, the new head coach believes it is Griffin, Paul and Jordan that will make all the difference.
"I'm always focused on our big three guys, Blake [Griffin], DJ [DeAndre Jordan] and Chris [Paul]," Rivers said, via ESPNLA.com. "Their leadership is important to our team. I'm always watching them. I think those are the guys that I have more focus on than anybody else."
The starting lineup is young, but talented. Griffin and Paul combine for nine NBA All-Star performances, while Rivers remains confident that Jordan can keep up with the two. Having Jordan in the center with Paul and Griffin on the outside forms the type of lineup Rivers once works with while in Boston.
"That's our big three, I like our big three," Rivers said. "I like what DeAndre gives us. He gives us something a lot of the guys in the league can't do. He can block shots, he can run the floor, he can defend, he's talking and he's in the best shape of his career. He's doing a lot of great things for us."
Rivers expects the defense to run the Clippers team this year and Paul agrees. According to both, Jordan could be in the running for defensive player of the year if he performs up to his ability. Pairing Jordan with Griffin should make for an aggressive protection around the rim.
"I think the reason he says that is solely because of DJ and Blake," Paul said. "Their ability to protect the rim and their speed and athleticism is something that you rarely see in anybody, let alone being on the same team. Those two are the cornerstones of our defense."
The Clippers created a roster to win a championship sooner rather than later. With Paul signed to a new extension and several upgraded players in place, expectations are high. Rivers would not have it any other way.
