The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association’s Western Conference as part of the Pacific Division. The team has a long and storied history, with roots that can be traced back to the Buffalo Braves in the early 1970s. This article will explore the evolution of the Clippers, from their humble beginnings in Buffalo to their current status as a consistent post-season contender in the NBA.
Origins of the Buffalo Braves
The Buffalo Braves were founded in 1970, and the team struggled in its first few seasons, failing to win more than 22 games. However, the team had a few bright spots, including the arrival of Bob McAdoo, who helped the team qualify for the playoffs between 1974 and 1976. Despite McAdoo’s success, fan attendance was low, and the team was eventually sold to John Y. Brown Jr.
Relocation to San Diego
Brown cleared the roster and lowered attendance even further, leading to the team’s relocation to San Diego in 1978. The team was renamed the Clippers and acquired players like World B. Free and Bill Walton, but the team struggled to maintain a winning record.
Move to Los Angeles
In 1984, the Clippers moved again, this time to Los Angeles, without the NBA’s approval. The move was met with a lawsuit, and the team continued to struggle, acquiring injured veteran players in an attempt to build a competitive team. However, the addition of Larry Brown as head coach helped the team reach a .500 record and make the playoffs for the first time in almost two decades.
Postseason Success
In the 2010s, the Clippers became a consistent post-season contender, thanks in part to the acquisition of players like Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. The team also had a new owner, Steve Ballmer, who was committed to building a winning team in Los Angeles. The Clippers have made the playoffs in nine of the last ten seasons, but despite having talented players, the team has never reached the NBA Finals.
Shared Home Venue
The Clippers share their home venue, the Staples Center, with other Los Angeles-based sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Sparks, and the Los Angeles Kings. The Staples Center is a modern, state-of-the-art arena that has hosted numerous major events, including the Grammy Awards and the Democratic National Convention.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Clippers have come a long way since their days as the Buffalo Braves. Despite a rocky start, the Clippers have established themselves as a consistent post-season contender in the NBA. With talented players and a commitment to building a winning team, the Clippers have a bright future ahead of them in Los Angeles.