The year is 2019, Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers Organization did something that shocked us Clipper fans, but we were quickly excited about the immediate future with the signing of not only Kawhi but Paul George as well. The Clippers now had a dynamic duo that could not only lead a team but had immense star power. I know Clipper Nation was overjoyed and we had renewed hope.
The Klaw and PG13 Era
With no surprise to many the Clippers made the Playoffs during the 2019–2020 season. With a 49–23 record the Clippers finished second in the Western Conference. They had the firey point guard Patrick Beverly, and the other walking 6th man of the year Lemon Pepper Lou aka Lou Williams. This was the year Clipper fans and the team thought we’d see the Finals for the first time. But our dreams were squashed by the Denver Nuggets.
But with a renewed vigor and back in reality out of the bubble, the Clippers managed to make it to the Western Conference finals, for the first time in the history of the franchise. They did it, now betting the farm on PG didn’t seem as bad. But losing Kawhi to a knee injury meant he was unavailable for crutial games against the Suns in the Western Conference Finals and unfortunately, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Clippers in 6 games.
The following season the Clippers would miss the playoffs, with Kawhi sitting out the majority of the season due to injury. Paul George also missed the play-in game due to Covid-19. Another season as a Clipper fan with the very familiar ending.
Lob City Era
We’ve seen various eras that should have, would have, and could have done something special but the curse of injuries got in the way. We saw it when we had the number 1 draft pick, Blake Griffin back in 2009. The injury during his rookie season should’ve been a tell-tale sign that the curse was alive and well. Even in the Lob City era, it was exciting, the Clippers were dynamic, high-flying, and fun to watch. It was the first time in a long time that it was fun to be a fan again.
But the Clippers made the playoffs again for the first time in six years with the addition of Chris Paul. But they ended up getting swept by the Spurs in the second round. But to their credit for the next five seasons, the Clippers would make playoff appearances, but they still couldn’t get over the second round hump. An injury to Chris during the 2015 playoff run impacted the team, and they ended up losing to the Rockets in the second round.
The next year the Clippers finished as the 4th seed in the West only to lose Paul and Griffin to injuries and lose the series to the Trailblazers. And the same would happen for the following year where an injury to Blake Griffin ended the Clippers playoff run. The curse reared its ugly head again, along with some drama behind the scenes with Chris and Blake the toxicity only intensified causing the team to blow up and Lob City was over. The Clippers then missed the playoffs completely the following year.
The Brand, Elton Brand
And before the Lob City era, the Clippers didn’t sniff the playoffs until 2005 with the addition of a phenomenal first-round pick in Shaun Livingston the year prior. Elton Brand was having a breakout year of basketball, he averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds that season. The Clippers had a spark and played with a chip on their shoulder. Sam Cassell with his high basketball IQ and leadership was steering the ship. They made it to the second round of the playoffs where they ultimately lost to the Phoenix Suns in seven games.
The Paul George Deal
Paul George recently revealed on his podcast that when he sent Kawhi a text message to congratulate him on his championship with Toronto, Kawhi called him back. And Kawhi asked if Paul was comfortable (there) in Oklahoma City. Kawhi went on to say that he heard some rumblings about people not being happy there. That’s when the dominos started to fall. According to Paul, they were talking about possibly joining forces in Toronto. Kawhi would resign, and they would try to run it back with another championship.
This secret meeting took place at Drake’s former Hidden Hills home. Paul also mentioned that the Clippers could be another place where the two could join forces. And since they are both southern California natives it would be a homecoming. It was great to see these two guys and the pieces they filled in around them, then with the later additions of two more Southern California natives, Russell Westbrook and James Harden the story was set up. A Cinderella story where these hometown guys can win the first championship for a team that desperately needs and wants one. And to top it off all while opening up a brand new state-of-the-art arena the Intuit Dome.
Alas, It was all too good to be true. Although Kawahi resigned with the Clippers James Harden did as well. Russ opted into the last year of his contract, so as of now, he’s still a Clipper. What next season holds is anyone’s guess. But as we enter into the new Intuit Dome era hopefully the Los Angeles Clippers can finally hang a banner.
