I admit to feeling a little guilty writing this article. To be clear, this is me writing – not ChatGPT. Obviously, it could if I asked it to, but I only asked for its thoughts on who the greatest Los Angeles Clippers of all time are. I feel guilty because ChatGPT is clearly a hot topic right now and I don’t want to give the impression I am doing this for clicks. I was genuinely curious to know the AI’s answer to the question. Before we get to its thoughts, here is a disclaimer ChatGPT started with.
It is subjective to determine the greatest Los Angeles Clippers of all time as it depends on individual opinions and criteria such as statistics, impact on the team, and career achievements.
Yes, all GOAT discussions are a bit silly and certainly subjective. But, they are still kinda fun. So, here are the Greatest Of All Time – Los Angeles Clippers edition according to ChatGPT.
- Blake Griffin: A six-time NBA All-Star, Griffin is widely considered one of the most dominant power forwards of his generation and was a key player for the Clippers during his time with the team from 2009 to 2018.
- Chris Paul: A nine-time NBA All-Star and former league assists leader, Paul spent six seasons with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 and helped lead the team to several deep playoff runs.
- DeAndre Jordan: A two-time NBA All-Defensive team selection, Jordan spent ten seasons with the Clippers from 2008 to 2018 and was known for his athleticism, rim protection, and rebounding ability.
- Elton Brand: A two-time All-Star, Brand spent seven seasons with the Clippers from 2001 to 2008 and was one of the team’s best players during that period, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game during his time in Los Angeles.
Is AI Right?
Hard to argue with the list, but I have a problem with the order and an omission. The Lob City Clippers put the franchise on the national map. Before that team only die-hard fans of the Clippers went to games which were regularly packed with fans of the other team. In fact, the strategy of the franchise back then was to promote the opposing teams best players, not the home team. “Get your tickets to watch the Clippers battle the one and only Michael Jordan!” The Lob City team was the start of the team building an identity and a real fan-base.
But, that team was centered around Chris Paul, not Blake Griffin. If we have to put together a list then CP3 needs to be at the top, followed by Griffin. DeAndre Jordan was very good, but he doesn’t belong at #3. Elton Brand‘s Clippers lost more than they won, but they were fun to watch. If the Lob City Clippers elevated the Clippers to national prominence (they did) then Brand’s Clippers gave them a sense of legitimacy they didn’t have before he joined.
The 4th spot has to be reserved for Bob McAdoo. I don’t fault ChatGPT for not including him. Technically, he was not a Los Angeles Clippers player and that is what I asked ChatGPT about. McAdoo was a dominant force for the Buffalo Braves who went on to become the San Diego then the Los Angeles Clippers. In his time with the franchise he was Rookie of the Year, three-time scoring champ and remains the only MVP in franchise history! DeAndre Jordan at #5 is OK with me.
The Final Word
Overall, the AI did a good job. Despite the greatness represented here I am on record as saying that the first jersey to be raised at the Intuit Dome has to be that of Ralph Lawler. Because it is only a matter of time before AI takes over everything (so it’s important to be nice to technology) I will give ChatGPT the final word.
Ralph Lawler is a retired American sportscaster best known for his long career as the play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He began his career with the Clippers in 1978 when the team was located in San Diego and continued to call the team’s games until his retirement in 2019. Over the course of his career, Lawler became one of the most recognizable and respected voices in the NBA.
Lawler was known for his distinctive style, sense of humor, and encyclopedic knowledge of the game. He was also a pioneer in the use of catchphrases and creative calls to describe the action on the court. His longevity with the Clippers and contributions to the sport of basketball earned him a place in the Clippers’ Legends Club and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
BINGO!
