Clippers announce new D-League team based in Ontario

The LA Clippers are set to have their own D-League team that will be based out of Ontario, California, the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario.

The LA Clippers have announced their D-League team officially. The team will be called the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario and will play at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Clippers will both own and operate the team. With the birth of this new team, the NBA D-League now has a record 26 teams, all of which are owned or operated by NBA teams.

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Having a development league team is a great step in the right direction for the clubs. Last season, rookies Brice Johnson and Diamond Stone were sent to Salt Lake City to play for the Utah Jazz’ D-League team, 700 miles away from Los Angeles. But now their young players will be able to play for the team’s own D-League team, which will help them develop those talented players in-house.

Head Coach Doc Rivers has been criticized for his handling of young players in the past. But, he was delighted at the prospect of the Clips having a D-League team.

"“This is a great day for the Clippers,” Rivers said at a news conference to announce the new team.  “Having our own development team in the Inland Empire is another example of the dedication and investment to winning and creating a first-class organization that Steve Ballmer brings to this franchise. We now have a place close to home where our young players and staff members have the ability to develop and gain important experience.”"

The NBA D-League has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The LA Clippers will be hoping that their talented youngsters can learn, develop and gain exposure with the new team.

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