The NBA was without its full slate of stars for much of last season, as a number of the league's best players missed extensive time. But the start of the 2022-23 season marks a fresh start and return to the court for those stars.
Marquee veterans such as Kawhi Leonard and John Wall, who are typically counted on to carry their respective teams, didn't play in 2021-22 and their teams failed to make the playoffs as a result. Leonard's return and the addition of a well-rested Wall automatically make the Clippers a title contender in the West.