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--- los_angeles_clippers [2025/07/03 13:10]
eziothekilla34
+++ los_angeles_clippers [2025/07/03 13:11] (current)
eziothekilla34 old revision restored (2025/06/17 00:59)
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 ===== Humble Beginnings =====
-The franchise began play as the Vancouver Grizzlies in the NBA’s 1995–96 expansion class before relocating to Memphis in 2001.[([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies|Wikipedia]])]
+The Clippers were originally founded as the Buffalo Braves in 1970.[([[https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/los-angeles-clippers|ebsco]])]
-===== NBA Expansion =====
+===== Name Change Journey =====
-The Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors were added for the 1995–96 season, marking the NBA’s first Canadian teams since 1946–47.[([[https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/history|NBA.com]])]
+They became the San Diego Clippers in 1978 before moving to Los Angeles in 1984.[([[https://sportsteamhistory.com/san-diego-clippers/|sportsteamhistory]])]
-===== First-ever Game =====
+===== Why “Clippers”? =====
-Vancouver’s inaugural game was a 92–107 loss at Orlando on November 3, 1995.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/VAN/1996_games.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+The name “Clippers” refers to clipper ships, fast-sailing vessels often seen off the San Diego coast.[([[https://www.quora.com/How-did-the-Clippers-get-their-name|quora]])]
-===== Struggles in Vancouver =====
+===== LA Arrival =====
-Over five seasons in British Columbia, the Grizzlies won just 42 games (101–359) before moving south.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/|Basketball-Reference]])]
+The team moved to Los Angeles without NBA approval—a controversial move by then-owner Donald Sterling.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2042902-clippers-owner-donald-sterling-banned-for-life-from-nba-for-racist-remarks|bleacherreport]])]
-===== Move to Memphis =====
+===== The Shared Arena =====
-On January 12, 2001, owner Michael Heisley announced the team would relocate to Memphis for the 2001–02 season.[([[https://www.nba.com/article/2018/07/12/grizzlies-relocation-history|NBA.com]])]
+For decades, the Clippers shared Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) with the Lakers and Kings.[([[https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/28261311/how-lakers-clippers-rule-staples-center-their-own-ways|espn]])]
-===== Choosing “Grizzlies” =====
+===== New Home Incoming =====
-Despite Tennessee having no wild grizzlies, the club retained its nickname upon moving from Vancouver.[([[https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/grizzlies-name-memphis-origins/1o3rq4yb3j6p71avkfdi2pymja|Sporting News]])]
+The Clippers will move into their own arena, the Intuit Dome, starting in the 2024–25 season.[([[https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2024-10-21/clippers-new-arena-true-value-of-a-new-home|latimes]])]
-===== First Memphis Win =====
+===== Famous Former Owner =====
-Memphis’s first victory came October 31, 2001, a 90–77 home triumph over the Rockets.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2002_games.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+Donald Sterling owned the Clippers from 1981 to 2014 before being banned for racist remarks.[([[https://abcnews.go.com/US/donald-sterling-scandal-audio-lawsuits-reactions/story?id=23497322|abcnews]])]
-===== FedExForum Opens =====
+===== Historic Sale =====
-The Grizzlies debuted the FedExForum as their home arena on November 9, 2004.[([[https://www.fedexforum.com/arena-history|FedExForum.com]])]
+The Clippers were sold to Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO, for $2 billion—a record at the time.[([[https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/ex-microsoft-ceo-ballmer-buys-nbas-la-clippers-for-2-billion-idUSKBN0E92GK/|reuters]])]
-===== First Playoff Berth =====
+===== Energetic Owner =====
-Memphis made its maiden postseason appearance in 2004–05, finishing 8th in the West with a 45–37 record.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2005.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+Ballmer is known for his high-energy courtside reactions and genuine love for the team.[([[https://www.wsj.com/articles/steve-ballmer-clippers-owner-11634823207|wsj]])]
-===== First Playoff Win =====
+===== Logo Evolution =====
-Their first playoff victory came in Game 2 of the 2005 first round—a 98–84 home win over Phoenix.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2005-nba-western-conference-first-round-grizzlies-vs-suns.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+The Clippers have changed their logo multiple times, most recently in 2024, moving to a modern, minimalist look.[([[https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/03/style/los-angeles-clippers-logo.html|nytimes]])]
-===== “Grit and Grind” Era =====
+===== Star-Studded Cast =====
-From 2010–17, Memphis pioneered a blue-collar, defensive-minded style known as “Grit and Grind.”[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17684467/grit-grind-memphis-grizzlies-nba-culture|ESPN]])]
+The team has featured stars like Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George.[([[https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/10fkcmh/linn_since_joining_the_clippers_in_2019_kawhi/|reddit]])]
-===== Zach Randolph’s Impact =====
+===== Lob City Era =====
-Signed in 2009, Randolph averaged 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game over his first three seasons in Memphis.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/randoza01.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+From 2011 to 2017, the team was nicknamed “Lob City” for their high-flying alley-oop style.[([[https://nbamath.com/timemachinedraft-team-rosters/|nbamath]])]
-===== Tony Allen: “The Grindfather” =====
+===== Doc Rivers’ Tenure =====
-Allen, a three-time All-Defensive Team member (2012–14), embodied the franchise’s defensive identity.[([[https://www.nba.com/stats/player/101111|NBA.com]])]
+Doc Rivers coached the team from 2013 to 2020, helping rebuild its reputation.[([[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2104909/2020/09/30/sixers-head-coaching-search-a-closer-look-at-doc-rivers-and-how-hed-fit/|nytimes]])]
-===== Mike Conley: Franchise Leader =====
+===== Kawhi & PG Duo =====
-Conley spent 12 seasons in Memphis (2007–19), becoming the club’s all-time leader in points, assists and games played.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/conlemi01.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+In 2019, the Clippers acquired Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, forming a championship-contending duo.[([[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jul/10/kawhi-leonard-paul-george-la-clippers-deal|theguardian]])]
-===== Marc Gasol’s DPOY =====
+===== No NBA Finals Yet =====
-In 2013–14, Gasol became the first Grizzly to win Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 7.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 blocks per game.[([[https://www.nba.com/awards/defensive-player-of-the-year/2014.html|NBA.com]])]
+Despite recent success, the Clippers have never reached the NBA Finals.[([[https://fadeawayworld.net/the-los-angeles-clippers-never-made-the-nba-finals-despite-spending-over-1-5-billion-since-2000|fadeawayworld]])]
-===== First Division Title =====
+===== Best Season Ever =====
-The Grizzlies claimed their first division crown in 2012–13 (56–26), topping the Southwest Division.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2013.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+Their best regular season record came in 2013–14, finishing 57–25.[([[https://www.nba.com/clippers/new.s/2013-2014-season-recap-milestones-and-achievements|nba]])]
-===== First Conference Finals =====
+===== Playoff Breakthrough =====
-Memphis reached the Western Conference Finals in 2013, falling to San Antonio in six games.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2013-nba-western-conference-finals-sas-vs-mem.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+In 2021, the Clippers reached their first Western Conference Finals, losing to the Suns.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401337338|espn]])]
-===== Jonas Valančiūnas Drafted =====
+===== Most Memorable Comeback =====
-With the 5th pick in 2011, the Grizzlies selected Lithuanian center Jonas Valančiūnas, their first lottery pick since relocating.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2011.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+The Clippers once overcame a 31-point playoff deficit against the Warriors in 2019—the largest in NBA playoff history.[([[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/927306/2019/04/16/how-the-clippers-pulled-off-the-greatest-playoff-comeback-in-nba-history/|nytimes]])]
-===== Rookie Ja Morant =====
+===== Sixth Man Legacy =====
-Memphis took guard Ja Morant with the 2nd overall pick in 2019, a choice that immediately paid dividends.[([[https://www.nba.com/draft/2019/prospects/ja-morant|NBA.com]])]
+Players like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams won multiple NBA Sixth Man of the Year awards with the team.[([[https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/the_greatest_nba_sixth_men_of_all_time/s1__38151377|yardbarker]])]
-===== Morant’s ROY Season =====
+===== Under-the-Radar Star =====
-Morant won Rookie of the Year in 2019–20, averaging 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/roy_2020.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+Elton Brand was a two-time All-Star and consistent leader during the 2000s.[([[https://andscape.com/features/elton-brand-among-former-nba-players-to-earn-front-office-job/|andscape]])]
-===== First All-Star (Morant) =====
+===== Eric Piatkowski’s Longevity =====
-In 2022, Morant earned the franchise’s first All-Star starting nod, posting 19.1 points per game at the break.[([[https://www.nba.com/allstar/2022|NBA.com]])]
+He holds the record for most games played as a Clipper—616 games.[([[https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/most-games-played-by-a-clippers-player|statmuse]])]
-===== All-Time Leading Scorer =====
+===== Dunk Highlights =====
-As of 2023, Mike Conley holds the Memphis record with 11,733 career points.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/leaders.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
+Blake Griffin’s dunk over Kendrick Perkins is one of the most iconic plays in franchise history.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1048503-la-clippers-blake-griffins-posterizing-nba-dunk-over-okcs-kendrick-perkins|bleacherreport]])]
-===== All-Time Rebound King =====
+===== Hollywood Ties =====
+Due to their LA location, many celebrities attend Clippers games, including Billy Crystal, a lifelong fan.[([[https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2024/10/12/billy-crystal-lover-of-clippers-back-to-san-diego-days-named-superfan-by-nba-hall/|timesofsandiego]])]
+===== Once an Underdog =====
+The Clippers were considered the NBA’s worst franchise during the 1980s and 1990s.[([[https://www.quora.com/Are-the-Los-Angeles-Clippers-the-worst-franchise-in-the-history-of-the-NBA|quora]])]
+===== Notable Trades =====
+The team traded for Chris Paul in 2011, which helped usher in the Lob City era.[([[https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/chris-paul-traded-teams-history-suns-bradley-beal/ffpdnpyixauijrtgajgfpqyz|sportingnews]])]
+===== Jersey Numbers Retired? =====
+The Clippers have not officially retired any jersey numbers, though this may change with future legends.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20624645/nba-numbers-nba-retired-numbers|espn]])]
+===== Mascot Mania =====
+Their mascot, Chuck the Condor, debuted in 2016 and has become a fan favorite.[([[https://www.nbamascots.com/mascots/chuck-the-condor|nbamascots]])]
+===== Clippers Nation =====
+Though long overshadowed by the Lakers, the Clippers have built a growing, loyal fan base.[([[https://bolavip.com/en/nba/The-25-NBA-teams-with-most-fans-20200423-0002.html|bolavip]])]
+===== Young Talent =====
+In recent years, players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Terance Mann have emerged as rising stars.[([[https://www.nbarankings.theringer.com/|theringer]])]
+===== Top Scorer =====
+Randy Smith is still the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, dating back to the Buffalo days.[([[https://www.reddit.com/r/VintageNBA/comments/kb4ivm/december_12_1948_randy_smith_was_born_smith_was/|reddit]])]
+===== Clippers vs. Lakers Rivalry =====
+Dubbed the "Hallway Series," the Lakers and Clippers rivalry is intensifying—even though they’ve never met in the playoffs.[([[https://easyreadernews.com/all-ball-sports-lakers-clippers-hallway-series-if-so-thank-westbrook/|easyreadernews]])]
+===== International Talent =====
+The team has featured international stars like Milos Teodosic, Nicolas Batum, and Luc Mbah a Moute.[([[https://www.fiba.basketball/en/news/future-stars-get-chance-of-a-lifetime-at-basketball-without-borders-global-camp-in-charlotte|fiba]])]
+===== Gritty Identity =====
+The modern Clippers emphasize defense and depth, often dubbed a "gritty" team.[([[https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/on-the-nba-beat/episodes/On-the-NBA-Beat-Ep--136-Will--Graces-David-Kohan-I-Think-This-Is-the-Clippers-Year-e21hu04|spotify]])]
+===== G League Affiliate =====
+Their G League team is the Ontario Clippers, helping develop young talent nearby.[([[https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/clippers-operate-new-g-league-team-ontario-california/|sportsnet]])]
+===== Podcast & Media Presence =====
+Clippers have become a staple in NBA podcasts and YouTube highlights due to their exciting play style.[([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhQ62RYA_Y|youtube]])]
+===== Game Presentation =====
+Known for having one of the loudest in-game atmospheres, despite being the "other" LA team.[([[https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1k690d1/david_adelman_on_the_clippers_intuit_dome_they/|reddit]])]
+===== Paul George's Impact =====
+PG13 has brought both elite defense and scoring, becoming a consistent All-Star.[([[https://medium.com/honest-hooper/offseason-strategies-pacific-division-651506a6f969|medium]])]
+===== Kawhi’s Quiet Leadership =====
+Though reserved, Kawhi Leonard has been the anchor of their title hopes since 2019.[([[https://www.stadiumrant.com/is-it-over-for-leonard-clippers/|stadiumrant]])]
+===== Coaching Stability =====
+Tyronn Lue has been praised for his adjustments and player management since becoming head coach.[([[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2699092/2021/07/10/tyronn-lue-praised-assistants-all-year-but-now-he-needs-to-replenish-staff/|nytimes]])]
+===== A New Era Approaches =====
+The move to Intuit Dome marks the start of a new, independent Clippers identity.[([[https://www.forbes.com/sites/shaneyoung/2022/06/08/la-clippers-announce-new-details-for-the-intuit-dome-halo-board-manufactured-by-daktronics/|forbes]])]
+===== The “Curse” of the Clippers =====
+Many fans and analysts speak of a so-called "Clippers Curse" due to years of bad luck and injuries.[([[https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/clippers-combating-bad-luck-injuries-science/story?id=45041317|abcnews]])]
+===== Breaking the Curse? =====
+The 2021 playoff run was seen as a symbolic break from that long-standing curse.[([[https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/2021/06/19/60cde693e2704e5aab8b45ba.html|marca]])]
+===== Clippers in Pop Culture =====
+The Clippers are featured in movies, music videos, and NBA 2K games—a sign of rising popularity.[([[https://www.aol.com/nba-two-form-media-company-151529969.html|aol]])]
+===== Draft Disappointments =====
+Despite high picks, the Clippers often missed on lottery picks (e.g., Michael Olowokandi in 1998).[([[https://www.clipsnation.com/2016/8/4/12376600/clippers-benoit-benjamin-michael-olowokandi-lorenzen-wright-chris-kaman-joe-wolf|clipsnation]])]
+===== Eye on the Prize =====
+With a strong roster and a new home, the Clippers are closer than ever to their first NBA championship.[([[https://andscape.com/features/with-los-angeles-clippers-james-harden-has-opportunity-at-more-than-a-championship/|andscape]])]
-Zach Randolph leads in total rebounds with 5,314 boards in a Grizzlies uniform.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/leaders.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== All-Time Assist Leader =====
-Mike Conley also tops the assists chart with 4,428 helpers.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/leaders.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== Mascot “Grizz” =====
-The team’s bear mascot “Grizz” debuted in 2004 and remains a fan favorite.[([[https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/fans/mascot|NBA.com]])]
-===== Memphis Hustle Affiliate =====
-Since 2017, the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) has been the Grizzlies’ official minor-league affiliate.[([[https://gleague.nba.com/hustle/|NBA G League]])]
-===== Record Home Attendance =====
-On January 1, 2014, FedExForum drew 18,119 fans for a Nuggets–Grizzlies game—the arena’s largest crowd.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201401010MEM.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== Logo Evolution =====
-In 2013, the primary logo changed from a mountain silhouette to a bold “MEM” muzzle with fierce eyes.[([[https://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/7tpbkh1n4yjnkyfhpddfcryj6/Memphis_Grizzlies/2013/Primary_Logo|SportsLogos.net]])]
-===== Uniform Changes =====
-Originally featuring teal, navy and yellow, the Grizzlies swapped teal for “Beale Street Blue” in 2018.[([[https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/style|NBA.com]])]
-===== Community Outreach =====
-The Grizzlies Foundation has donated over $20 million to youth education and recreation in Memphis.[([[https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/community|NBA.com]])]
-===== Green Initiatives =====
-FedExForum is LEED Silver certified and recycles 30% of its waste, showcasing the team’s eco-efforts.[([[https://www.fedexforum.com/sustainability|FedExForum.com]])]
-===== International Core =====
-By 2023, Memphis’s roster featured players from 10 different countries, including Lithuania, Turkey and Australia.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2023.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== Record-Fewest Free Throws =====
-On March 23, 2016, the Grizzlies missed all 12 third-quarter free throws vs. Sacramento—a rare 0-for-12.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201603230SAC.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== First Back-to-Back Playoffs =====
-Memphis became the first relocated NBA team to qualify for five straight playoffs (2011–15).[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== Rivalry with Spurs =====
-From 2011–14, the Grizzlies and Spurs met in the playoffs four consecutive seasons, forging a fierce rivalry.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9214343/spurs-grizzlies-fourth-straight-playoffs|ESPN]])]
-===== Franchise Ownership Change =====
-In 2012, tech entrepreneur Robert Pera purchased the team for approximately $350 million.[([[https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2012/10/25/memphis-grizzlies-sold-to-robert-pera-for-350-million/|Forbes]])]
-===== Forbes Valuation =====
-As of 2023, Forbes values the Grizzlies at 2.3billion,upfrom2.3billion,upfrom377 million in 2010.[([[https://www.forbes.com/nba-valuations/|Forbes]])]
-===== Youngest Coach Hired =====
-In 2019, Taylor Jenkins became head coach at age 38—the youngest in franchise history.[([[https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/coaches|NBA.com]])]
-===== Highest-Scoring Game =====
-On April 3, 2023, Memphis scored a franchise-record 141 points in a 141–129 win over Sacramento.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/202304030MEM.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== Worst Season Record =====
-The 2000–01 Vancouver Grizzlies went 23–59—the worst win–loss mark in franchise history.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2001.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== Best Regular Season Record =====
-Their 56–26 record in 2012–13 remains the franchise’s best single-season performance.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2013.html|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== Playoff Series Clutch Shooting =====
-From 2011–14, Memphis shot 35.8% from three in first quarters of playoff games—their strongest period.[([[https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/|Basketball-Reference]])]
-===== Arena Naming Rights =====
-FedEx paid $60 million over 20 years for FedExForum naming rights—then the NBA’s third-largest deal (2003).[([[https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2003/12/15/daily31.html|Memphis Business Journal]])]
-===== No Championship…Yet =====
-Despite multiple deep playoff runs, the Grizzlies remain one of five active NBA franchises without an NBA title.[([[https://www.nba.com/history/franchise-records/titles|NBA.com]])]
-===== First Team in Tennessee =====
-Memphis is Tennessee’s only NBA franchise—and the state’s lone major-league basketball team.[([[https://www.visitmemphis.com|Visit Memphis]])]

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