If you’re like any of us, then you’ve been struggling to survive with the recent lack of LA Clippers basketball. To keep you all alive and well, we’ve put together a list of things to do while we all patiently wait for the arrival of next season.
Since the conclusion of that all-too-familiar series against the Utah Jazz, a part of my life has been missing. I’m having total LA Clippers withdrawal. And if you’re anything like me, then I’m here to tell you that you aren’t alone. The majority of Clipper Nation has been grieving since May, and we’ll likely continue to do so until about September, when the commencement of the 2018 season isn’t too far off. But what are we to do until then, while we’re stuck in the offseason?
Well, have no fear, for we at Clipperholics have put together a list of things to do this summer to keep you occupied. We can’t promise that any of these things will actually make you feel redeemed, or that you’ll even enjoy them at all, but we can confirm that they do in fact pass the time.
So sit back, and click on through to discover what you could be doing right now while you’re on layover.
Watch the NBA Finals
Estimated time: 9-18 days, depending on series length
Our first idea is a pretty obvious one.
Since we can’t watch Clippers basketball, we might as well watch NBA basketball. And while it is a repeat of the last two Finals, it’s still exciting and historical. This is the first time in the NBA’s 71-year history that two teams have faced each other in 3 consecutive championships. Not only is this a testament to the greatness of both teams, but it gives us the opportunity to witness the finale to what is hopefully just a trilogy.
LeBron James may go down as the greatest to ever play the game of basketball. For us to be able to watch him dominate the game right now is a blessing. On the other hand, this Warriors team is nothing to mess with. A team that went 73-9 last year added one of the most unstoppable scorers of all time to their roster. What we’re witnessing here will likely never happen again in our lifetime.
And now, here we are again, with Golden State up 3-1 over the Cavs in the NBA Finals. Can Cleveland pull off the upset of all upsets after being down 3-0? We’ll all just have to watch and see.
But anyway, speaking of trilogies…
Watch Star Wars
Estimated Time: about 17 hours, without breaks
To cope with these not-so-thrilling times in Clipperland, I myself have resorted to watching the entire Star Wars saga. I came in with high expectations, as I was blown away by Rogue One when I saw it in theaters. By the end of The Force Awakens, I knew I had stumbled upon something that was well worth my time.
The movies have nothing to do with the Clippers or basketball, which is perhaps a reason why I enjoyed them so much. They kept me distracted from all the rumors and the impending doom that is free agency. Not once did I think about the chances of seeing Chris Paul in a San Antonio Spurs jersey, or ponder whose career is more vital to the future of our team – Paul or Blake Griffin?
Instead, I worried and thought about Star Wars stuff. What’s going to happen next? Why does Darth Vader sound so funny? Why is Boba Fett so popular? Why doesn’t Anakin like sand?
(Editor’s Note: Because it’s rough and coarse and gets everywhere. Duh)
For a while there, the thought that we’re still 4 months from Clipper basketball wasn’t so agonizing. The thought of a real-life Death Star, though, was.
(Another Editor’s Note: Garrett here hasn’t even touched on the greatness of The Clone Wars, which is available on Netflix. 6 seasons of this coupled with 3 seasons of Star Wars Rebels will kill a ton more time.)
Prepare for Free Agency
Estimated time: nearly 3 weeks
More from Clipperholics
- Grade the trade: Clippers shockingly land Trae Young in wild proposal
- 3 of the most overpaid players on the LA Clippers’ roster
- Trading for this player covers the Clippers’ biggest weakness
- How will the LA Clippers fare in the in-season tournament?
- Why the LA Clippers should steer clear of recent gold medalist waiver
Not a Star Wars fan? Worry away then, because NBA free agency begins in less than 3 weeks and we still have no idea who will be leading our team next season.
Obviously, the odds weigh heavily in favor of the tandem of Paul and Griffin. The organization is committed to re-signing both for big wads of cash, but what if one (or both) are enticed to play for a championship elsewhere?
Several sports media outlets have stated that teams have expressed interest in both players. For Griffin, most notably Miami, Denver, and Oklahoma City. In Paul’s case, the main player has been San Antonio. And while most sources say it’s likely that the two don’t split up, the chance is still there.
There’s also the Clippers’ barren wing position. Paul Pierce retired, and Alan Anderson and Luc Mbah a Moute are both expected to opt out of their contracts. That leaves only Wesley Johnson, meaning the Clippers will most likely sign a few new forwards this summer.
Who would you like to see on next year’s roster, Clipper Nation? Let us know in the comments, and tell us how you’ve been getting through the days without Clipper basketball.