Often referred to as “the other Los Angeles team”, the Los Angles Clippers may not have the elite reputation as their Crypto.com arena mates, but they are a respectable franchise in their own right. Over the years, the Clippers have either drafted or acquired a number of special talents, and here are some of the best of them.
Honorable Mentions:
- Lamar Odom (1999-2003) & (2012-2013) During his time with the Clippers, Odom established himself as a versatile forward and a key player, averaging 15.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
- DeAndre Jordan (2008-2018) earned two All-NBA selections and becoming one of the most dominant rebounders and shot-blockers in the league.
Chris Kaman (2003-2011)
Chris Kaman spent eight seasons with the Clippers, averaging 11.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He made the All-Star team in 2010 and was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2004.
Corey Maggette (2000-2008)
Corey Maggette was a versatile scorer during his eight seasons with the Clippers, averaging 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He made the All-Rookie First Team in 2000 and the All-Star team in 2001.
Danny Manning (1988-1993)
Danny Manning was the first overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft and played five seasons with the Clippers. He averaged 19.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during his tenure with the team and was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 1989.
Blake Griffin (2009-2018)
Blake Griffin was a dominant force during his time with the Clippers, averaging 21.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He made the All-Star team six times and was named to the All-NBA Second Team three times.
World B. Free (1979-1982)
World B. Free played three seasons with the Clippers and was a scoring machine, averaging 28.4 points per game during his tenure with the team. He was named to the All-Star team in 1980 and 1981 and was also named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1980.
Elton Brand (2001-2008)
Elton Brand was a consistent scorer and rebounder during his seven seasons with the Clippers, averaging 20.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He made the All-Star team twice and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2006.
Randy Smith (1971-1979)
Randy Smith played eight seasons with the Clippers and was the team’s all-time leading scorer until he was surpassed by Blake Griffin. He averaged 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game during his tenure with the team and was named to the All-Star team in 1976.
DeAndre Jordan (2008-2018)
DeAndre Jordan was a dominant force on the defensive end during his ten seasons with the Clippers, averaging 9.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. He was named to the All-NBA First Team in 2016 and was also named to the All-Defensive First Team twice.
Bob McAdoo (1972-1976)
Bob McAdoo played four seasons with the Clippers and was a dominant scorer during his time with the team, averaging 30.6 points per game. He was named to the All-Star team three times and was also named the NBA MVP in 1975.
Chris Paul (2011-2017)
Chris Paul was the best player in Clippers history, leading the team to some of their most successful seasons. He averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game during his tenure with the team. Chris Paul’s acquisition by the Clippers in 2011 marked a turning point for the franchise. After years of futility, the Clippers became one of the most exciting teams in the NBA with Paul at the helm. Paul’s on-court leadership and playmaking ability elevated the games of his teammates, and he quickly established himself as the best point guard in the league. each of his six seasons with the team. Paul was a six-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection with the Clippers, and he finished in the top five in MVP voting three times.
Off the court, Paul was also instrumental in changing the culture of the Clippers. He demanded excellence from his teammates and held everyone accountable, and his work in the community earned him the NBA’s Community Assist Award in 2016. While he never led the Clippers to a championship, Paul’s impact on the team and the franchise cannot be overstated.
