The Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers' history goes back to the 1970-71
season, when they were introduced to the league as the Buffalo Braves. The
Braves joined the NBA at the same time as two other expansion franchises: the
Portland Trailblazers and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the 1972 NBA Draft, the Braves selected Bob McAdoo with
the second pick overall. The lanky 6'10, 210 forward from the University of
North Carolina provided instant offense. In his few seasons in Buffalo he
averaged 18.0, 30.6, 34.5, 31.1 and 23.7 points per game. McAdoo, together with
Jim McMillian and Randy Smith, would lead the Braves to their first playoff
appearance in 1974. Although they lost in the first round, they extended the
series against the Boston Celtics to 6 games. The Celtics were led by John
Havlicek, Dave Cowens and Jo Jo White and would go on to win the NBA Finals that
year.
On the Braves' second playoff trip in 1975, they battled the
Washington Bullets only to lose in 7 games. The Washington Bullets had a
powerful team with Elvin Hayes, Phil Chenier and Wes Unseld. This Bullets team
would advance to the NBA Finals.
The Braves made a third trip to the playoffs in 1976. After
defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in the First Round 2 games to 1, the Braves met
the Boston Celtics yet again. Once again the Celtics won the series 4 games to
2, on their way to another NBA Championship.
After three seasons of moving in the right direction, the
Clippers experienced a 15 year playoff drought between 1977 and 1991. In that
time the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons dynasties of the
1980's had been built and had won their championships.
Finally, in 1992 and 1993 the Clippers made it back to the
playoffs with Danny Manning and Ron Harper leading the way.
Throughout their history the Clippers have never been to the
playoffs more than three times in a row and have never advanced further than the
Conference Semifinals. In the 37 years between 1971 and 2007, the Clippers have
the playoffs only 7 times.
Some the of the Buffalo Braves/San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers
most notable players have been:
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Mahdi Abdul-Rahman (Walt Hazzard) (1972)
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Mark Aguirre (1994)
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Elton Brand (2002-)
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Mike Brooks (1981-84)
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Michael Cage (1985-88)
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Sam Cassell (2006-)
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Tom Chambers (1982-83)
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Terry Cummings (1982-84)
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Adrian Dantley (1977)
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World B. Free (1979-1980)
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Ron Harper (1990-94)
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Gar Heard (1974-75)
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Marques Johnson (1985-87)
-
Bob Kauffman (1971-74)
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Billy Knight (1978)
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Cory Maggette (2001-)
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Moses Malone (1976) Hall of Famer
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Danny Manning (1989-1993)
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Bob McAdoo (1973-76) Hall of Famer
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Jim McMillian (1974-76)
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Cuttino Mobley (2006-)
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Lamond Murray (1995-99)
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Swen Nater (1975-1983)
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Norm Nixon (1984-89)
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Ken Norman (1988-1993)
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Lamar Odom (2000-03)
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Quentin Richardson (2001-04)
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Charles Smith (1989-1992)
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Derek Smith (1985-86)
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Elmore Smith (1972-73)
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Randy Smith (1972-79, 1982)
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Loy Vaught (1991-98)
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Kiki Vandeweghe (1993)
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Bill Walton (1980-85) Hall of Famer
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Freeman Williams (1979-1981)
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Mike Woodson (1987-88)
The pattern of the Los Angeles Clippers fabric consists of
blue and red squares. Within the squares are basketballs, jerseys and the
Clippers' logo.
This Los Angeles Clippers fabric is licensed by the NBA and
is for individual consumption. Any other use of this NBA fabric is prohibited
and illegal. The Los Angeles Clippers cotton fabric is not suitable for
children's sleepwear.