RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The franchise was founded as the Buffalo Braves in 1970 as an expansion team. Led by Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo, the Braves reached the NBA playoffs three times during their eight seasons in Buffalo. Conflicts with the Canisius Golden Griffins over the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium and the sale of the franchise led to their relocation from Buffalo to San Diego, California in 1978 and subsequent rebranding as the San Diego Clippers, in reference to the sailing ships seen in San Diego Bay. The team saw little success on the court and missed the playoffs during all six of their years in San Diego.
In 1984, owner Donald Sterling controversially relocated the franchise to Los Angeles without NBA approval, which was permitted following legal action between the league and Sterling. Over the course of their first 27 seasons in Los Angeles, the Clippers qualified for the postseason only four times and won a single playoff round. They were frequently considered a perennial loser in American professional sports, drawing unfavorable comparisons to the historically successful Lakers.
The Clippers' reputation improved during the 2010s, which saw them transform into consistent postseason contenders. Aided by the "Lob City" lineup of Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Chris Paul, the team qualified for the playoffs in six consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2017 and won two consecutive division titles in 2013 and 2014, both firsts for the franchise. Despite this success, the Clippers struggled in the postseason and were frequently eliminated in the Conference Semifinals; the team reached the Conference Finals for the first time in 2021. They are the league's oldest franchise to have never played in the NBA Finals.
As some of the big names in free agency agree to deals, it's apparent that some of the teams that were already among the best in the league, just got better. Kevin Spain and Sam Amick from USA TODAY Sports discuss the bargain agreement former All-Star David West made with the San Antonio Spurs and the deal Marc Gasol is making to stay in Memphis. A to Z guys Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk to San Antonio Express News reporter Jeff McDonald about the Spurs getting the top prize in free agency LaMarcus Aldridge and they chat with Dan Woike of the Orange County Register about how the Los Angeles Clippers lost DeAndre Jordan.
Summer League drama / The best part of the NBA offseason is the drama that goes with it. USA TODAY
Summer League drama / The best part of the NBA offseason is the drama that goes with it. USA TODAY Sports Sam Amick discusses how some of the rookies at the Las Vegas Summer League are not off to a great start with Kevin Spain. The guys also talk about some of the big news around the league, like the awkward handshake between Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and coach George Karl and the craziness and fallout of the DeAndre Jordan situation with the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks.
Kobe Bryant; playoff performances; mock draft; D'Angelo Russell interview / Los Angeles Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said in a radio
Kobe Bryant; playoff performances; mock draft; D'Angelo Russell interview / Los Angeles Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said in a radio interview that this will be Kobe Bryant's last season with the Lakers. The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss that with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. The guys also talk about some of the great playoff performances we've had so far. Spain and Scott Gleeson talk about how D'Angelo Russell will fare in the draft and we hear from Gleeson's interview with Russell. Spain and Derek Bodner talk about the updated mock draft now that the lottery is over and the draft order is set.
Fastbreak Breakfast Ep. 29 “A Rockets Apology and a Grizzlies Funeral” / Ep. 29 “A Rockets Apology and a Grizzlies
Fastbreak Breakfast Ep. 29 “A Rockets Apology and a Grizzlies Funeral” / Ep. 29 “A Rockets Apology and a Grizzlies Funeral” Chuck has fallen into a breakfast rut and Keith reveals he actually watched some of Clippers/Rockets.Grizzlies fans stick around for The Grizzlies Funeral at the end of the episode where Chuck helps Jon and Keith mourn the end of Memphis’ run.
Who is the MVP?; Kobe interview / USA TODAY Sports NBA reporters Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt pick their favorites
Who is the MVP?; Kobe interview / USA TODAY Sports NBA reporters Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt pick their favorites for this year's most valuable player with USAT's Kevin Spain. Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard weighs in on who he thinks should get the nod. Sam Amick interviews Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
NBA A to Z podcast: Steve Clifford interview / In the NBA A to Z debut podcast, USA TODAY Sports
NBA A to Z podcast: Steve Clifford interview / In the NBA A to Z debut podcast, USA TODAY Sports writers Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk to Charlotte Bobcats coach Steve Clifford about his where he learned his coaching philosophy, his new team and how he thought the Los Angeles Lakers, who he was an assistant for last season, don't get enough credit for how they finished.