It’s do-or-die time for the LA Clippers, as the postseason starts on Saturday.
For a couple of LA Clippers, this game may mean a bit more. Just as there are two Mavericks who used to wear Clipper colors, there are also two Clippers who used to rep Dallas.
Both are point guards. The most notable is Rajon Rondo, who played for the Mavericks in the 2014-15 season. That season was a bit of an up-and-down year for Rondo.
He was traded there in the middle of the season, and didn’t end up leaving on the best terms with the organization.
Rondo actually ended up getting suspended for a game when he got into an argument with Mavs Head Coach Rick Carlisle on the court.
The Mavs made the playoffs that year, and Rondo didn’t necessarily have the best experience. He was benched from Game 2 of the first round after playing under 10 minutes in the contest.
He was then slated to be out indefinitely after the game with a back injury, but ESPN had actually reported that he and the team agreed to move on from one another.
After they lost in the first round, the Mavs were awarded almost $209,000 for their playoff bonus. It was reported by ESPN that Rondo’s 14 Mavericks teammates decided to not include him in that money, and split the money without him.
Since then, Rondo has won an NBA Finals, and been a key part of multiple teams in the postseason. He’s found himself again after the rough stop in Dallas. He’ll have a prime opportunity to show the Mavs what they’re missing, and due to his playoff history, I have no doubt that he’ll come through.
The other Clippers point guard who used to play for the Mavericks is Yogi Ferrell. Ferrell actually played his best basketball in Dallas.
In his 118 games for them, he started 50. His 38.2% three-point percentage, his 10.6 points per game, and his three assists per game were all higher than his time with any other team.
Since signing with the Clippers in April, Ferrell hasn’t had a ton of minutes and opportunities to contribute. He has, however, played in each of the last four games for the Clips, and could potentially have his number called again soon.
He most likely won’t return back to the level he played at while with the Mavericks, but he’ll be sure to play quality basketball against his former team.
The Clippers know the Mavericks real well due to playing them in the postseason last year, and due to their three games vs. them this year in the regular season. There are a couple Clippers, however, who have even been on their side of things before. They may act as if it’s just another game, but it could also be an opportunity to make a statement.