9. Kawhi
Four weeks ago, before the regular season started, Kawhi Leonard was just an ethereal image to Clippers fans. We didn’t know what to expect and hoped that he would provide a fraction of what our dreams held. It’s a small sample size, but ten games in, what we know as fact is that Kawhi is the real deal. We knew this from watching him dominate the post-season in Toronto, but seeing nightly, up close, is a humbling experience.
10. Greatness Comes from the Top
The culture that has been developed in this Clippers team was the result of patience and hard work up and down the organization. At the top of that organization is the best owner in sports, Steve Ballmer. Ballmer’s influence on the Clippers culture was palpable in his involvement in surprising Paul George in Fresno State at his jersey retirement ceremony. Not only did Ballmer loan an airplane to Doc Rivers, Lawrence Frank, and many players so that they could surprise PG13 at this milestone event, but Ballmer joined the team in making the day even more special for George.
It’s hard to imagine many owners wanting to spend a sunny Saturday in central California, but it’s not a stretch to see Ballmer there, his trademark enthusiasm beaming out for George, who has yet to even play a game for the Clippers. This relatively small gesture telegraphed volumes. That sense of family, the support, the genuine affection, has been apparent in the first ten games of the season.
Granted, it’s a small sample size. Maybe it’s not even statistically significant. But the trends that the Clippers are seeing early in the season give the team, and loyal Clippers fans, much to look forward to in the months ahead.