Clippers: Three bold expectations for the 2017-18 season

2. Blake Griffin will be in the running for MVP

This one may seem even more absurd than the previous, however, Blake Griffin will turn many heads next season. Chris Paul is gone and common sense implies that his missing presence will only hinder Griffin. However, now this is his team, he is undoubtedly the best player in Los Angeles and we will see what he can do when he is the number one option.

We have already seen what Griffin can do. When combining his best stats across his seven seasons, we can make out a 24.1 points, 12.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists stat-line. While his best individual year was 2013 in which he averaged 24.1 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists, the foundation is there for Griffin to piece it all together and make a run for Most Valuable Player.

Heck, in that same season Griffin finished third in NBA MVP voting. In fact, Griffin has finished in the top ten three times. His rookie season he finished 10th and in 2014-15 he finished eighth. While that is impressive, next season he will only perform better and will finish inside of the top three.

Without Paul Griffin is going to have a much longer leash and score at a convincingly higher rate. However, he does have some tough competition. Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and even Giannis Antetokounmpo are in the running.

The last power forward to win the award was Dirk Nowitzki in 2006-07. While Griffin winning the award may take a truly historic season, do not be surprised when his name is thrown into the hat come June; if he is healthy, of course.