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Coach: Mike Dunleavy (13th year, 463-489)

Last Season: 37-45, did not qualify for the postseason.

Projected Starters: C Chris Kaman, F Elton Brand, F Corey Maggette, G, Cuttino Mobley, G Sam Cassell.

Key Subs: G Shaun Livingston, G Quinton Ross, F Yaroslav Korolev, F Chris Wilcox, C Zeljko Rebraca, G Daniel Ewing, F Rodney White, F Walter McCarty.

New Faces: Mobley, Cassell, Ewing, Korolev, McCarty, McCaskill, Tabuse, White.

Key Losses: F Bobby Simmons, G Marko Jaric, G Kerry Kittles, C Mikki Moore, G Lionel Chalmers, G Rick Brunson, C Mamadou N’diaye.

Strengths: With Cassell and Mobley starting in the backcourt, the Los Angeles Clippers could give opposing teams a lot of headaches defensively with their long range shooting prowess. The duo also gives the Clippers a veteran presence that they have lacked in previous campaigns. Brand, while clearly not a superstar, is as consistent a power forward as there is in the league today. Maggette has been on the verge of performing at an All Star level now for the past two or three seasons, and can be electric to watch as he attacks the tin. Also, Livingston has loads of potential, and could be a dynamic point guard someday with his combination of size and passing ability. He must stay healthy.

Weaknesses: The Clippers lack legitimate depth, which could come back to haunt them later in the season. The team also has two guys in their starting backcourt who like to shoot the ball a lot. Throw Maggette into that mix, and one has to wonder whether or not there will be enough basketballs to go around. Cassell has also had a history of running his mouth when he gets upset, and that is the last thing the Clippers need. Finally, the Clippers are -- well, how should I say this -- still the Clippers. That fact alone may be too much for this group to overcome.

Outlook: The Clippers have an intriguing mix of players, and they should be a lot of fun to watch. That said, it'll still be a struggle for this team to qualify for the postseason. If they are truly serious about securing a playoff birth for the first time since the Larry Brown years, they are going to have to have someone unexpected step up -- someone like the rookie forward Korolev, perhaps. They can’t afford any injuries, due to the team’s lack of depth. Look for the Clippers to compete for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference right up until the very end -- and then come up just short once again.

Sure Sign of Trouble: If Sam I am grows unhappy at any point during the year. Which might happen if Livingston takes minutes from him. As for Shaun, it's trouble if he keeps getting injured. On the bright side, at least the Clip Joint will probably finish with a better record than their cross town rival for the second consecutive year.

Have a take about what you just read. Contact Travis at travismheath@msn.com. Heath is a doctoral candidate in psychology, and a freelance writer. He currently resides outside of Denver, Colorado, but he has spent time in Washington, Nebraska, and Both Northern and Southern California. He is also a self admitted sports addict, with his primary vice being the NBA.