Ranking the 5 best LA Clippers players in history

Chris Paul was integral to the LA Clippers success in the last decade
Chris Paul was integral to the LA Clippers success in the last decade

#3 Bob McAdoo

Despite Bob McAdoo helping the LA Lakers to a couple of NBA championships later in his career, he spent most of his prime with the Buffalo Braves before the franchise moved to California and became the LA Clippers.

The Braves drafted the small-ball five with their second overall pick in 1972 and immediately saw their fortunes change. With McAdoo on the team, the Braves made three trips to the NBA postseason, though lost in the Conference semifinals on each occasion. From 1973 to 1976, he led the league in scoring, with an impressive 34.6 points per game in the 1974-75 campaign. He also racked up a casual 15 rebounds each night and 3.3 blocks that year.

Despite his size, McAdoo was happy to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court, which was unusual in his time as a big man and made him a nightmare on offense. Despite his limited time with the organization compared to others on this list, McAdoo was still able to make it onto the LA Clippers' top-3 all-time scorers and ranks fifth in rebounds.


#2 Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin was at his athletic best with the LA Clippers
Blake Griffin was at his athletic best with the LA Clippers

Blake Griffin was the epitome of the LA Clippers' 'Lob City' teams. As soon as he entered the league as the first overall pick, Griffin made the NBA sit up and take notice, averaging 22.5 points and 12 rebounds in what would become one of the greatest rookie campaigns of all time.

From there he never looked back, dunking and spinning on his opponents in the paint, creating a thrilling highlight reel along the way. After eight years, he had averaged 21.6 points and 9.3 rebounds having shot at 51% from the floor. He ranks inside the top three players in LA Clippers history for points and rebounds and sits fifth for assists.

Although he never became an elite defender, Griffin did improve various aspects of his game while with the Clippers, including his mid-range jumper and accuracy from the free-throw line. For a player of his size, he was also a skilled passer, giving out 4.2 assists per game.

Griffin will be primarily remembered for the excitement he brought to the Staples Center crowd. Although he left on bad terms with club owner Steve Ballmer, it wouldn't be surprising if the Clippers fanbase pushed to have his jersey retired in the future.


#1 Chris Paul

Chris Paul led the great LA Clippers sides
Chris Paul led the great LA Clippers sides

Really, the No.1 spot could have gone either way. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin formed a telepathic relationship while playing for the LA Clippers that led to several stunning dunks. However, it was the point guard who orchestrated the 'Lob City' years and led the team on both ends of the court.

In his first three seasons with the franchise, Paul led the league in steals per game and ended his time in L.A. having averaged 2.2 a night during his six years. On offense, he was in the prime of his creativity with two perfect partners in the pick-and-roll and clinical shooters on the perimeter. Paul averaged 9.8 assists per game and amassed more than 4,000 in total, over 500 more than the next highest in the organization's history.

Paul was particularly important to the LA Clippers when it came to the playoffs. He upped his output and was looked to to make clutch shots, such as his series-winning banker against the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. He ranks sixth overall in points for the franchise and second in steals and will surely be remembered as its greatest ever point guard.

Quick Links

Edited by Parimal