2014-15 Clippers #NBASchedule: 10 Must-See Games

Dec 12, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets small forward Paul Pierce (34) drives around Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford (11) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

December 12 at Washington Wizards

2013-14 Season Series: LAC 2 – o WAS

This is the ‘what could’ve been, but we’re not too worried about that’ game.

That’s Paul Pierce. A free agent this off-season, many, myself included, figured it was a guarantee that Pierce would be the starting small forward for the Clippers come the 2014-15 season. There were too many signs pointing in that direction: the Los Angeles connection, the Doc Rivers connection, Pierce wanting to play for a contender. The one sign that forgo’d everyones mental ended up being the key in Pierce landing with the Wizards instead of Clippers: money.

And alongside Pierce, you’ve some interesting matchups: Chris Paul and John Wall, J.J. Redick and Bradley Beal, DeAndre Jordan and Marcin Gortat, Blake Griffin and NeNe. These are all perfect because of similar styles or contrasting ones. Jordan wants to prove he’s one of the best defensive centers in the NBA? Slow down Gortat. Wall wants to prove he’s one of the best point guards in the NBA? Play up to par with CP3. Beal could learn a few things from Redick as he steadily improves. NeNe is an oddly decent comparison stylistically for Blake. All-around fun.

If the Clippers repeat the 2-0 sweep on the Wizards, maybe Pierce will regret passing up on LA.