Apr 22, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Lamar Odom (7), small forward Matt Barnes (22) and center Ronny Turiaf (21) guard Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) in the second half of game one in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Staples Center. Clippers won 93-91. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

This team had just about everything; they had the talent, the depth and the Lob city chemistry. They’re the best basketball team in Los Angeles and that’s a big deal when you share an arena with the Los Angeles Lakers.

If they want to continue being the best team in the pacific division, they’ll need to bring back Chris Paul. He’s simply been phenomenal for this franchise. He single handedly led this franchise to back-to-back playoff appearances and back-to-back winning seasons. Paul led both the offense and defense for this Los Angeles Clippers team.

The Clippers also had one of the best benches in the league this past year, players like Jamal Crawford, Eric Bledsoe, Lamar Odom and Matt Barnes played a significant role. Unfortunately, due to the salary cap the Clippers no longer have enough money to bring their entire bench back for another season. So they’ll have to pick and choose who gets to stay.

In addition to Chris Paul, I believe they should try their hardest to retain Lamar Odom and Matt Barnes. Odom is a championship veteran and he provides a mismatch on offense. Barnes on the other hand, brings intensity and defensive effort.

The Clippers need to make the most of this offseason; it’s time to retool the roster to make a deeper run next season. This is by far the most important offseason for the franchise. They must bring back Chris Paul and surround him with enough talent.

Sacks was credited with the signing of Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Willie Green, Ryan Hollins, Ronny Turiaf, Maalik, Wayns, DeJaun Summers, Matt Barnes, and Lamar Odom. People don’t put take this into consideration at all but Vinny Del Negro had as much to do with this years signings than anyone in the Clipper front office but won’t get any credit at all. A historic season abruptly ended way too soon was put together by VDN, Sacks, and Donald T. Sterling (my personal sources)

NBA GM Voting

1. Masai Ujiri,DEN

2. Gary Sacks,LAC

3. Daryl Morey,HOU

4. Glen Grunwald,NY;

5. RC. Buford,SA

6. Pat Riley,MIA

7. Bob Myers,GS

My prediction for “EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR”

1. Vinny Del Negro & Gary Sacks – Los Angeles Clippers

All the fans and critics around the NBA criticize Vinny Del Negro but c’mon man…he did something no other coach has done for the Los Angeles Clippers. He won a Pacific Division Title and had a 17 game winning streak.

2. Pat Riley (Miami Heat)

3. Daryl Morey (Houston Rockets)

4. Sam Presti (OKC Thunder)