The Los Angeles Clippers franchise have had many talented players throughout the years, and as they head into the playoffs what better time to reflect on those players?
The Los Angeles Clippers have had many extremely talented players come and go in the franchise, so narrowing it down to the top five players was a challenge we were willing to take:
5. Randy Smith
Smith was drafted in the 7th round by the Buffalo Braves in the 1971 NBA Draft. Smith was the all-time franchise leader in games played, minutes, assists, points, steals and field goal attempts/makes. Smith played with the Braves from 1971-1978, and in the 1978-1979 season when the franchise moved to San Diego and became the Clippers. After playing for four other teams he returned and played the 1982-1983 season with the San Diego Clippers once again. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and earned All-Star MVP in 1978.
With all his statistical accomplishments aside, Smith was known as one of the most known Braves players alongside teammate Bob McAdoo. Via ESPN: “He was one of the most popular players in Braves history, and in teaming with scoring champion Bob McAdoo he helped make the Braves under Ramsay one of the league’s exciting clubs.”
4. Elton Brand
Traded to the Clippers in 2001, Brand eventually led Los Angeles into the second round of the 2006-2007 playoffs. He was a sufficient big man, who became the all-time franchise leader in offensive and total rebounds. The lowest season average points he ever had with the Clipper was 17, during the controversial 2007-2008 season in which he left after only playing in 8 games. Nevertheless, Brand was a powerhouse defensively and offensively, and a valuable threat to have on the court. He led the NBA in offensive rebounds in 2001-02, and was a two time All-Star during his years in Los Angeles.
Griffin was drafted by the Clippers as the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Griffin quickly has become the face of the Los Angeles Clippers alongside point guard Chris Paul. He’s played for the Clippers for four years now, and has been picked as an All-Star four times. Griffin earned NBA Rookie Of the Year in 2011 and has been named to the All-NBA 2nd team in his 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons.
Griffin has averaged high numbers every season and has the ability to help Paul lead the Clippers to a Championship this year.
2. Chris Paul
Traded to the Clippers in 2011, Paul later signed a contract with Los Angeles in 2013 assuring that he’ll stay. Paul has averaged 9.8 assists and 18.5 points throughout the three seasons he’s been with the Clippers. He’s easily shaped the team to what it is today, through his leadership role and championship mind set. Paul is the best point guard the Clippers have ever had. The best years on franchise record, have been with Chris Paul on their roster.
1. Bob McAdoo
McAdoo played for the Buffalo Braves from 1972-1976 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000. McAdoo made 3 All-Star appearances during his time with the Braves, and earned NBA MVP in 1975.
McAdoo averaged 28 points, 12.7 total rebounds and shot a .500 FG% across his seasons in Buffalo. McAdoo led the Braves to face off against the Washington Bullets in the Eastern Conference Semifinals before losing to them in 7 games. McAdoo was a leader, and could create and hit shots like crazy, which led him to earning 3 consecutive NBA scoring titles.
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