On November 18, LA Clippers’ fan favorites Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari will return to the Staples Center for the first time since being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The eagerly-awaited 2019-2020 NBA schedules have dropped, with fans, media, players and coaches sorting through the details to see where they will be and when, what months look favorable, and what stretches of time might be more challenging. Clipperholics will provide all the detailed analysis on the new schedule, but in the meantime, fans can look forward to a big homecoming for SGA and Gallo, albeit in OKC Thunder uniforms.
On July 5, in a move that surprised the entire NBA, Gallo and SGA were traded to the Thunder in the deal that brought All-Star Paul George to the Clippers, as well as cementing the decision of free agent Kawhi Leonard to join the Clippers squad. As stellar as the deal was, the Clippers had to make the decision to part with two amazing assets to the team.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who played his rookie season with the Clippers after being selected in the first round of the NBA draft, was thought to be untouchable in trade talks. Though only a rookie, he quickly became a favorite of the Clipper nation, playing in all 82 regular season games and all six postseason games. And no Clipper fan will ever forget the role SGA played in the record breaking playoff comeback victory against the Warriors, as he created the play to Landry Shamet for the epic three point shot that sealed the win. There is no doubt that SGA will be welcomed back to the Staples Center by an enthusiastic crowd.
Eleven seasons into his NBA career, Gallo had a career year with the Clippers, playing in 68 regular season games and averaging 30 minutes and just under 20 points a game, shooting 46% from the field, 43% from three, and 90% from the free throw line. He was in solid All-Star contention early in the season and continued to shine throughout. His confidence on the court radiated throughout the season and endeared him to the fan base.
Every Clippers game is an exciting experience for the home crowd. But on November 18, when these two favorites are back in the building and being honored by the traditional video tributes, expect the roof to come off the place.