Clipperholics
Fansided

8 Players the LA Clippers gave up on too soon

By Zachary Bachar

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on April 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on April 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Bob McAdoo reacts after being introduced as part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Bob McAdoo reacts after being introduced as part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2: Bob McAdoo

Back when they were known as the Buffalo Braves, Bob McAdoo was selected with the second overall pick in the 1972 NBA Draft. He looked like a future star right away, winning Rookie of the Year and subsequently leading the Braves to a playoff appearance in his second full season.

His third year was his best yet, averaging 34.5 points and 14.1 rebounds per game while shooting over 51% from the field. It was enough to earn MVP honors, the only player to win the award in franchise history.

McAdoo’s time with the Braves ended on bad terms

With his contract about to conclude at the end of the 1976-77 season, talks began on both sides about a second deal with the team. However, negotiations broke down to the point where the relationship didn’t seem fixable.

McAdoo was then traded midseason to the New York Knicks for a package centered around veteran big John Gianelli and cash. Gianelli ended up playing just 57 games with the team before joining the Milwaukee Bucks.

As for McAdoo, he made two more All-Star appearances in New York while he remained in the league up until 1986. He won two championships coming off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers and was named to the NBA’s list of the 75 greatest players of all time.