No. 1: Blake Griffin
Franchise Averages: 21.6 PTS, 9.3 REB, 4.3 AST, 1,005 DUNKS
Blake Griffin is the ultimate Clipper, and it really isn’t up for discussion. Even after the trade that sent him to Detroit, it’s hard to imagine anyone else ever taking Griffin’s “spot” in franchise history.
Selected in 2009 with the first overall pick, Griffin immediately became a star in Los Angeles — sort of. He missed the entirety of his would-be rookie season after breaking his kneecap in preseason, and instead burst onto the season the following season in 2010.
As a rookie, Griffin averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, and had more fun doing so than any of us could’ve imagined. He was named an All-Star that season, as well as the next four, before injuries started to get the best of him.
But what Griffin did for the Clippers is something that was never done before — he made fans want to watch the LA Clippers. Electrifying dunk after another, Griffin made fans jump out of their seats and shout in awe of what they were seeing. He was a star, and gave Clippers fans something to cheer about.
He was also part of the most successful period in franchise history, the Lob City era, which saw him paired up with the aforementioned DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul. The trio took over the NBA for a few seasons, and Clippers fans finally got to experience what it felt like to be on top.
In short, he elevated the Clippers to new heights — both literally and figuratively. For that, he deserves our top spot.