Five NBA Players to Watch: Pacific Division Edition

This is the first of a six-part series that I'm working on finding five players from five different teams to watch in each division.

Rather than start with the Eastern Conference I'm working backwards, starting from the Pacific Division, home of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.

Jeremy Lin, Golden State Warriors

After catching the eyes of the Dallas Mavericks, undrafted rookie guard Jeremy Lin caught the eyes of the NBA in the Las Vegas Summer League. Lin signed with the Warriors, his hometown team, after spending four years in Harvard playing in the Ivy League.

Lin battled No. 1 overall draft pick John Wall when the Mavs took on the Washington Wizards in summer league action. His play impressed fans and gauged interest from teams, eventually landing him a two-year deal with the Warriors.

Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis may still be on the Warriors roster, but in a coaching style that emphasizes small ball, Lin could see some playing time if he transitions well into the NBA.

 

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Griffin will have to remind everyone why he was the 2009 NBA Draft's top pick after sustaining a stress fracture in his left knee in the 2009 preseason.

Even with Wall, Evan Turner and DeMarcus Cousins in the running for this season's Rookie of the Year award, Griffin is still one of the top candidates for the award.

His combination of strength and athleticism at the power forward position will surely lead to highlights and draw in fans in every arena. Like Tyreke Evans catapulted himself into one of the best players in the league, Griffin could be able to do the same.

Steve Blake, Los Angeles Lakers

Blake has bounced around the league in his career, but his most recent change didn't even involve a change of address. Just a change of uniform. After being traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Los Angeles Clippers, the veteran point guard will be playing for a back-to-back championship Lakers club.

It's not known whether he'll start or be the back-up to Derek Fisher, but the Lakers are good enough to do either one. He's certainly an upgrade over Jordan Farmar and it should be interesting to see how he fits on the team that's looking for a three-peat.

 

Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns

Dragic caught the attention of the entire NBA, dropping 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting in 17 minutes in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semi-finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Slovenian guard did well in FIBA play averaging 12.7 points and 4.1 assists in 27.8 minutes  per game on the Slovenian National Team.

Dragic seems primed for a breakout season, but how much can he accomplish as the back-up to Steve Nash? That's the question looming for him when the season starts.

DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

Cousins was solid and drew a crowd in the Las Vegas Summer League, earning Rookie of the Month honors in July. The center showcased a skill set that he didn't show while playing at Kentucky.

He passed the ball well, drove to the rim, knocked down jumpers from mid-range and ran the floor. Conditioning was an issue as his performance decreased in the last couple of games.

Cousins has been tagged as immature, but at 20-years-old he's got plenty of time to change, if that's even the case. He has shown that he can play on the court and he wants to prove he's the best rookie this season and his critics wrong.

The next part of the series will feature the Northwest Division.