With the decade winding down, we take a look back at the top five moments for the LA Clippers over the last ten years and how they changed the franchise.
This decade has been one of the most important in LA Clippers’ history. The franchise has experienced some of its highest highs, and lowest lows, but has remained wildly entertaining throughout. Through coaching changes, GM changes, and even ownership changes, this organization has truly been through it throughout the 2010s.
This slideshow is an attempt to capture the five biggest events, signings, and storylines in the last 10 years. It’s a trip down memory lane that many will appreciate. Although every great moment can’t be included here, the ones included were truly pivotal. Since every moment can’t be included I did include a list of honorable mentions below:
- The summer of 2017
- Blake Griffin Trade
- Trade Deadline 2019
- Getting Doc Rivers
In 2017 the Clippers were coming off of another lost playoff series and it was clear the franchise had stalled out. No real progress had been made with their great “big 3” experiment and something needed to be done to get some new blood into the franchise. This began with the signing of Jerry West onto a consultant role. After this, the Clippers then moved franchise icon, Chris Paul, to the Rockets and got a slew of players and a first-round pick. Three of the players they received were Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, and Montrezl Harrell, arguably the backbone of today’s team. They capped off the summer by re-signing Blake Griffin and promoting Lawrence Frank to President of Basketball Operations.
In the Blake Griffin trade, the Clippers received Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, Avery Bradley, and a first and second-round pick. These three players (well maybe not Avery Bradley) helped to keep the Clippers competing during their transitional period.
At the trade deadline of 2019, the Clippers moved Harris and Marjonovic. The biggest part of this deal they received was Landry Shamet, who is one of the best young shooters in the league today and will be essential to a Finals run. They also dealt Bradley to the Grizzlies and in return received JaMychal Green and Garrett Temple, of which the former has become a key rotational player. They also dealt Mike Muscala (received in the Sixers trade) for Ivica Zubac, their current starting center.
Doc Rivers took over the reigns as coach in 2013 after a trade with the Celtics. Rivers did not want to rebuild and at the time the Clippers were contenders. Doc finished out the Lob City era but never made it past the second round. He stuck with the team through the retooling and now coaches a top team in the NBA. A former player himself, Rivers has been a valuable resource for our players.