The LA Clippers have a notorious reputation for bad luck. Bad trades, bad free agent signings, and bad draft picks: a sure fire recipe for failure in the NBA. As recent as last offseason the trend continued when Elton Brand passed up a chance to sign with recently acquired free agent Baron Davis. Brand’s departure to Philadelphia was seen as a blow to Clippers fans and the team alike, as most expectations rested on his shoulders. In his place, the Clips maneuvered a trade with the New York Knicks to get power forward, team virus, and terrible contract owner Zach Randolph. Is there any hope for the other team in LA?

The team has some pieces in place, and some pieces that could be moved. Namely, team president and coach Mike Dunleavy has likely worn out his welcome. Baron Davis is a legitimate all star point guard when motivated, but in the current state of the franchise, those moments are extremely limited. Frontcourt minutes also appear to be in a logjam as Randolph, Chris Kaman, DeAndre Jordan, and Marcus Camby occupy the 4 and 5 spots for the duration of the game. Rookie sensation Eric Gordon emerged after a slow start to the season, and has cemented his starting spot for years to come. While receiving much scrutiny, second year small forward Al Thornton is slowly proving himself as a quality NBA starter, averaging 16.8 ppg and 5.2 rebounds in his sophomore campaign. Where is the miracle falling from the sky that can rescue Clippers fans’ hopes?

Looking to the sky may be too far for the Clippers, as Oklahoma is soon to be the focus of their eyes. All-American power forward Blake Griffin calls the sooner state home, and the Clippers call him the future. The Clippers received the top overall draft pick in Thursday’s upcoming NBA draft, and will select the unwordly talent with their first selection. Griffin is a jaw dropping athletic specimen and talent, with surreal leaping ability and ballerina level footwork. Of his many highlights, one that will amaze even casual basketball fans is Griffin driving the sideline for a dunk and hitting his head on the backboard, yet still finishing the play strong. Measuring in at 6′10″, 250 lbs, he comes ready built for the grind of the NBA, and loves even more to use it in his physical style of play. Griffin has been compared to a young Carlos Boozer, but that is only a compliment to Boozer and a laugher to everyone in the know. Griffin is more of a Kevin Garnett/Karl Malone combination, and aching to show the world their is a new sheriff in Tinseltown.

Why draft Griffin if you are set at the power forward and center positions? I can’t be frank enough, the kid is a legitimate future ten time all-star. The Clippers will have to find a way to make space for Griffin, likely by moving Randolph, Kaman, Camby, or a combination of the three. The backcourt looks good if only paper, with Davis driving and Gordon providing a feathery touch to keep defenses honest. The future looks bright for the Clippers, and that comment is not said in an ironic tone. Talented youth and a savvy guard can potentially help the Clippers get both LA teams in the playoffs next year. Of course, this is the Clippers, so all they would have to do is not draft Griffin and send their fans and record back to the cellar for another decade.

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