LA Clippers: Which Clippers Are the Greatest of Their Era?

LA Clippers GOTE 1989-94: Danny Manning

The GOTE of the era dubbed “Playoff Appearances” is Clippers great Danny Manning. After leading Kansas to an NCAA title, Manning was picked first overall by the LA Clippers in 1988 and promptly required knee surgery, appearing in only 26 games that year.

The following year, 89-90, Manning came back with a vengeance, doing a little bit of everything. In his first full NBA season, he averaged 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 and a half assists, while also snatching more than a steal a game.

Throughout his career, that was the story of the 6’10 forward; he was the guy who could contribute everywhere on the court. He didn’t have an outside shot at all, but this was well before the era when your power forward needed to be able to hit threes. His peak was in 92-93, when he put up 22.8 points and 6.6 rebounds, along with 2.6 assists per game.

Manning could score, he could grab rebounds and he could play solid defense. It’s hard to complain about that kind of versatility, and that’s why he always ranks high on the “greatest Clippers ever” lists. It’s unfortunate that knee injuries plagued him; we would have loved to see an injury-free Manning.

Manning would find his way to the playoffs in 91-92 and 92-93, but other than that didn’t find much regular season success with the Clippers in terms of wins. Including his injury-shortened rookie season, the Clippers went168-242 in his first 5 seasons, before trading him in the middle of his 6th. He was named an All-Star in 92-93 and 93-94.

Honorable mention goes to Charles Smith. The 6’10 forward played with the Clippers from 88-89 to 91-92 and proved adept at scoring and grabbing rebounds. He was on the All-Rookie First Team with the Clips and peaked in 90-91, putting up a 20/8 statline with 2 blocks.