Los Angeles Clippers: A New Era
INGLEWOOD, California (AP) — Once considered a perennial doormat of the NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers are now basking in the glow of 14 consecutive seasons with a winning record. However, they find themselves in the midst of a tumultuous campaign as they host NBA All-Star weekend for the first time on their own. Formerly the subject of jokes due to decades of misfortune in cities like Buffalo and San Diego, the franchise has transformed into a credible powerhouse, now calling a state-of-the-art arena—built by billionaire owner Steve Ballmer—their home.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite the excitement surrounding this weekend, the season has been riddled with setbacks and challenges reminiscent of their bygone days. Kris Dunn, a guard for the team, reflected on the difficulties faced this year, stating,
“We’ve dealt with a lot this year. Our whole mentality throughout the year has just been to try to find a way. It’s been tough.”
The Clippers began their season under a shadow, facing an investigation regarding a questionable endorsement deal involving superstar Kawhi Leonard, which raised concerns about potential salary cap violations. Despite the denials of any wrongdoing from Leonard, Ballmer, and team president Lawrence Frank, the league may impose repercussions if it finds the Clippers at fault.
Amidst off-court dramas, the team suffered a dismal start to the season, recording just six wins against 21 losses, which included the shocking decision to part ways with franchise legend Chris Paul only weeks into his farewell season. Yet, after this early turmoil, the Clippers struck an impressive turnaround, propelled by the talent of James Harden and center Ivica Zubac, alongside Leonard, showcasing a resurgence with a remarkable 16-3 run to reignite hopes of a playoff berth.
Roster Changes and Future Aspirations
However, recent changes to the roster have sparked controversy. Last week, management traded Harden to Cleveland and Zubac to Indiana, moves that, while painful, are seen as part of a strategy to build a younger team moving forward. Frank commented on the road ahead, emphasizing excitement for the future, stating,
“As hard as these moves are, we’re extremely excited about where we’re going. We want to win now. We believe we are going to win now, and we’re going to do it by getting younger.”
The Clippers’ remarkable streak of winning seasons contrasts sharply with their past, as they recorded only six winning years over the first 40 of their existence. Their recent success includes making the playoffs 12 times and securing three Pacific Division titles.
All-Star Weekend and Looking Ahead
Amid the swirling changes and turbulence, All-Star weekend serves as a moment to pause for reflection and celebration for the franchise and its supporters. This weekend marks the first time the Clippers are solely hosting the event, a distinction they shared in previous years with their historically dominant rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. Gone are the days of cloaking Lakers banners during joint events at the previous Staples Center; the Clippers now proudly showcase their identity in the Intuit Dome, a testament to their growth as a franchise.
Fans of the Clippers will also miss watching their former player and current reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is sidelined due to injury. Gilgeous-Alexander began his career with the Clippers before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, alongside an impressive haul of draft picks in exchange for Paul George, both of whom have had somewhat controversial tenures in Los Angeles due to ongoing health issues. While the Clippers reached the Western Conference Finals in 2021, they have yet to break the mold of being the earliest original NBA team still seeking a championship.
The recent acquisitions of Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Bradley Beal aimed to push the team to new heights, yet they have not materialized into the expected success. Currently, only Leonard and backup guard Jordan Miller remain from last season’s roster. Leonard, who has been performing well recently, became the sole All-Star representative for the Clippers during this special weekend. He mourned Zubac’s departure, likening it to
“losing a brother”
but acknowledged that the team’s strategic shifts are understandable.
The Clippers’ shift in strategy began earlier, with the decision not to extend George’s contract in 2024 and trading reliable scorer Norman Powell last summer. While the team aims to rebuild for the future, Frank believes these transitions elevate the Clippers from mid-tier contenders to a potentially stronger future.
As uncertainties linger over the looming investigation and a reshaped roster, the organization remains committed to its evolving future under the leadership of Ballmer and coaching staff. Lue expressed confidence in his role, stating,
“Yes, this is where I want to be. Having an owner like Mr. Ballmer, who’s unbelievable, it does so many things for me. I trust everything we do, everything we decide to do. It’s a partnership. I want to be here.”
This leaves fans hopeful amidst an unpredictable journey ahead.
