Who are the best LA Clippers players in history? This is a team that has long been known for their struggles in the NBA, but they’re on the up in recent times.
In 2006 they ended a 30-year playoff win drought, reached the conference finals for the first time in 2021 and have the best NBA arena in the league. Here’s the best Clippers players ever as the franchise continues its remarkable transformation
10. Ron Harper
- 5x NBA Champion
- Co-captained LA Clippers
Before Ron Harper became a five-time NBA champion – three with the Bulls and two with the Lakers – he slugged it out for five seasons and twice reached the playoffs. Harper became one if the best LA Clippers players ever managing averages of 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.0 steals. Had it not been for injuries, a healthy Ron Harper may very well have been up there as an all-time great.
9. Danny Manning
- 2x NBA All-Star
- 1988 NBA Sixth Man of the Year
Danny Manning was known for his scoring, versatility, and leadership. Drafted by the Clippers as the first overall pick in 1988, the power forward quickly became the face of the franchise. Manning became a fan favorite as fans loved watching him create matchup nightmares with his ability to score both inside and outside the paint. Across six seasons he was an ever reliable offensive threat averageing 19.1 points and 6.4 rebounds.
8. World B. Free
- 1980 NBA All-Star
- 1979 All-NBA Second Team
World B. Free is one of the best Clippers players in history despite only two seasons with the franchise. Best remembered for his electrifying scoring ability and leadership he thrived in one-on-one situations.
Free averaged a whopping 29.4 points and 4.3 assists during his time at the Clippers while they were still based in San Diego helping to elevate the team during a challenging time for the franchise.
7. DeAndre Jordan
- 2017 NBA All-Star
- 2x NBA Rebounding Leader
- 2x NBA All-Defensive First Team
Standing at 6’11” with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, DeAndre Jordan became an elite shot-blocker and rebounder after arriving at the Clippers as a second round pick in 2008. His partnership with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin in the pick-and-roll game made him one of the most feared big men in the league, and he helped the franchise to six playoff appearances in ten seasons to become one of the best LA Clippers players.
6. Kawhi Leonard
- 6x NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Finals MVP
- 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Kawhi Leonard arrived in LA in 2019 as a two-time NBA champion with the Spurs and Raptors. It signified a new chapter for the Clippers as they added one of the most dominant two-way players. Leonard quickly became the face of the Clippers with his defense and clutch scoring ability. He went on to help the franchise reach the conference finals for the first time in what was their 51st season in 2020-21.
5. Elton Brand
- 2× NBA All-Star
- 2006 All-NBA Second Team
Elton Brand was the face of the franchise after being selected as the first overall pick in 1999. Across seven seasons he shone on what was otherwise a mediocre team, qualifying only once for the playoffs during his time. Fans however adohored Brand for his gritty play as he anchored the Clippers through the early 2000s as a consistent double-double machine.
4. Paul George
- 9x NBA All-Star
- 2019 All-NBA First Team
Arriving in LA in 2019, Paul George helped the Clippers reach the conference finals for the first time in franchise history alongside Kawhi Leonard. His all-around skill set and high basketball IQ elevated LA to the next level.
In five seasons George took the Clippers to the playoffs three times. A phenomenal two-way player he averaged 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists during his time in Los Angeles.
3. Bob McAdoo
- 3x NBA Scoring Champion
- 5x NBA All-Star
- 1975 MVP
Before the Clippers became the Clippers, Bob McAdoo was a star with the franchise when it was known as the Buffalo Braves. Drafted with the second overall pick in 1972 he became an offensive force for five seasons in Buffalo. He steered the franchise to three playoffs, avegared 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and was the 1975 MVP.
2. Chris Paul
- 6× NBA All-Star with the Clippers
- 4× NBA Assists Leader
- 3× All-NBA First Team
There wouldn’t have been “Lob City” without someone throwing up lobs. Chris Paul was that player to bring the city together. Arriving in Los Angeles in 2011 his arrival marked a major shift in the Clippers’ fortunes. Paul’s leadership transformed the franchise and the point guard orchestrated one of the most potent offenses, steering the Clippers to the playoffs in every one of his six seasons.
1. Blake Griffin
- 6x NBA All-Star
- 3x All-NBA Second Team
- 2011 Slam Dunk Contest Champion
Blake Griffin was drafted first overall in 2009 and went on to become the greatest Clippers player in history. Griffin could shoot, rebound and pass but what made him the cornerstone of the franchise across his eight seasons in LA was his freak athleticism. Griffin was a highlight reel machine earning the franchise the nickname “Lob City” due to his high-flying alley-oops and ferocious dunks.
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