Los Angeles Clippers, a team known for its exciting brand of basketball during the “Lob City” era, has yet to retire any player’s jersey since joining the NBA. However, former Clippers head coach Doc Rivers believes that tradition should change. In a recent interview, he expressed his opinion that three former Clippers players—Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Chris Paul—deserve to have their jerseys hanging in the rafters of the Staples Center.
Doc Rivers opens up
Rivers, who served as both coach and general manager during his tenure with the Clippers, had a vision for the franchise. He wanted to create a legacy, not just on the court but also in the rafters. Here’s what he had to say:
“When I took the job, the goal was to make the Clippers a destination. I wanted to cover up the Laker banners not because they’re the Lakers. I just thought it’s a Clipper game, and let’s be the Clippers. And then I wanted to retire a jersey. There was no jersey to retire… I think there will be jerseys coming forward. Blake. I think DJ 100% should be. And I think Chris Paul. So now, they’re starting to create a history, and that’s important for franchises and that’s what we wanted to do.”Doc Rivers said.
Doc Rivers told me he believes Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and CP3 should have their jerseys retired with the Clippers.
“I wanted to retire a jersey. There was no jersey to retire… I think there will be jerseys coming forward. Blake. I think DJ 100% should be. And I think… pic.twitter.com/BGh0PTby81
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 11, 2024
The Missing Championship
While the Lob City era produced thrilling moments, it fell short of an NBA championship. Despite their talent, the team faced chemistry issues off the court.Doc Rivers himself acknowledged that those teams “did not get along well enough” to win it all.
In retrospect, the Clippers’ legacy extends beyond titles. They brought excitement, athleticism, and unforgettable plays to the Staples Center. Now, as the team continues to evolve, retiring the jerseys of Griffin, Jordan, and Paul would be a fitting tribute to their contributions.
As the Clippers build their own history, these three players deserve to be immortalized in the franchise’s lore. Perhaps soon, fans will witness their jerseys raised to the rafters, forever reminding us of the Lob City era and the impact these players had on Clippers basketball.
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