The Los Angeles Clippers have been struggling in their recent efforts to contend for titles, and last year was a dream turned nightmare. A season that should have seen the Clippers as a surefire giant in the West with a starting lineup of dynamic hometown heroes instead became one riddled with injuries and underperformance. 

The Boston Celtics have slumped into a period of recession since the end of the Big Three era. Kevin Garnett is back in Minnesota, Paul Pierce is with the Los Angeles Clippers and Ray Allen is still...