For many NBA teams, last night could have been the night that potentially can changed the entire franchise. Almost eight years ago, the lottery completely changed the culture of the LA Clippers.
May 19th, 2009. A date that changed the entire course of the LA Clippers franchise.
Eight years ago, the basketball gods did something they had never done before… reward the Clippers. Coming off a 19-63 season, the Clips found themselves with the third worst record in the NBA. Behind the Kings and Wizards, the Clippers had the third highest chance at landing the number one overall pick.
In a draft that has featured countless All-Stars, it was no question who the consensus number one pick would be: Blake Griffin, a forward from the University of Oklahoma. Griffin, who was named AP Player of the Year, was coming off of a monster season, averaging 22 points and 14 rebounds. It was no question he was the best player in the nation.
Coming into the evening, the Clips had a 17.7% chance at landing number one. Tied with Washington, and behind Sacramento at 25%. The Clippers’ chances that evening looked something like this:
#1: 17.7%
#2: 17.3%
#3: 16.4%
#4: 19.5%
#5: 25%
#6: 4%
And then, with a little luck, everything changed for the LA Clippers.
The Clippers landed their third number one overall pick in franchise history. The previous two, didn’t quite go as planned. Danny Manning & Michael Olowokandi both had disappointing careers with the Clippers. With a deep draft, the LA Clippers hoped they could finally get it right.
And they did.
The Blake Griffin Era
The Clippers drafted Blake Griffin number one overall.
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After missing his entire rookie season with a knee injury, it looked as if the Clippers curse would live on. However, Griffin proved everyone wrong. Griffin averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists his rookie season. He went on to win Rookie of the Year, as well as winning the Slam Dunk Contest and appearing in the NBA All-Star Game.
In seven seasons with the Clippers, Griffin has averaged 21 points, nine rebounds, and four assists a game. He’s become arguably one of the greatest Clippers ever. Second in points, fourth in rebounds, fifth in assists, he’s statistically one of the best.
Stats aside, he created a brand new culture in Los Angeles. His crowd pleasing dunks and plays brought new excitement to a Clippers team that had never really had any. Night after night, Staples Center filled up, as thousands came to see Blake Griffin play.
Regardless of where he ends up this summer, or if he’s back with the Clippers, there’s no debate that he’s one of the most important players in franchise history.
And it all started with the NBA Draft Lottery.