The one bright spot on the Clippers franchise history was when Larry Brown coached the team in the early 1990s. He even waved his magic wand enough to lead them to consecutive playoff berths. Unheard of in Clipperville. For a brief time, the people of L.A. even jumped on the bandwagon. The first-son Lakers were struggling and the weak-sister Clippers gave new meaning to the term "fair-weather" fans.
The saying back then was, "it's hip to be Clip." Could it be happening all over again?
Brown took over the hapless Clipper team during the 1991-92 season when they had a 22-25 record. The team played inspired basketball under him and finished with a 45-37 record, earning a playoff berth after 13 straight losing seasons. It was the franchise’s first postseason appearance in 16 years, when they were still the Buffalo Braves. The young Clippers took the Utah Jazz to the five-game limit before being ousted in the first round.
The following season, the Clippers had their first all-star in seven years when Danny Manning was chosen to the Western Conference team. They finished at 41-41 and qualified for the postseason for the second straight time. Once again, the Clippers went to five games before being beaten in the first round, this time by the Houston Rockets.
Following that season, the organization allowed Larry Brown to leave to become the head coach with the Indiana Pacers. Bob Weiss took over and the team finished in last place with a 27-55 record. That has been their usual until this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers during that time were reeling with the sudden retirement of Magic Johnson. They finished 39-43 in the 1992-93 season, barely qualifying for the playoffs as the eighth seed in the West. They lost to the Phoenix Suns in five games.
The modern-day Lakers have not been "Showtime" since Shaquille O'Neal went East. Kobe Bryant and company are still struggling even with the Zen Master back. Even with "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" in the stands, it's just not the same at the Staples Center. At least not when the Lakers are playing.
No, in this topsy-turvy NBA season, it's the Clippers who are promoting exciting and winning basketball at the arena they were considered second-class citizens in. Similar to the Jets playing at Giants Stadium. This building was basically the Lakers' home court with the after-thought Clippers using it on off-nights.
Who knows what will happen as the season progresses. The Clippers can wake up and realize that they're treading in uncharted waters. But it's fun to see the underdog have his day. There is talent here. Sam Cassell has won in just about every place he has played. Elton Brand is for real. Mike Dunleavy knows how to coach. So it's entirely possible that this team will be a factor and make the postseason.
Who knows, maybe Dennis Green can figure out a way to get the Cards in the playoffs next season. Well ... let me quit while I'm ahead.
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