History has not been kind to the L.A. Clippers. Through several decades of existence, the Clips have not seen much success, often times finding themselves playing for the lottery instead of the title.
So when Kawhi Leonard and Paul George found their way there in 2019, it was a cause for celebration for the entire franchise — including the players.
After the acquisitions, Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams celebrated pretty hard, clearly believing they were in a position to win a title.
Bev and Lou Will when the Kawhi/PG news dropped 🤐
(via @patbev21) https://t.co/Kp5cSBSOhP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 6, 2019
They were among the most confident and outspoken Clippers players during their time with the team.
At one point, Beverley even went face-to-face with Steph Curry.
Last week, too, Clippers guard Patrick Beverley was captured on video taunting the crowd at the Chase Center, the new $1.4 billion arena the Warriors have opened in San Francisco, for leaving the game early during L.A.’s blowout win.
“Hey, hey, hey, hey,” Beverley shouted. “Where you all going? Where you all going?”
And Beverley hounded Curry throughout the game. With 1:28 to play in the second quarter, Beverley forced Curry into a turnover, turned and jawed at the Golden State bench. Beverley then squared off with Curry at the other end of the floor and began talking trash.
“You had the last five years,” Beverley told Curry, according to a source. “The next five years are mine.”
To be fair, there were a lot of reasons to be excited for the Clippers at the time. Getting Leonard and George meant competing for a Chip, a complete reality shift for an organization with such a disappointing history.
Unfortunately, Lou Williams would get tossed by the Clippers the following summer, and Beverley actually just got traded as well.
The fact that both guys are no longer with the franchise they were so excited to win with is quite an interesting situation. Hopefully, both players can find some degree of success with their new teams.
In the meantime, the Clippers hope their recent roster moves will be enough to not only provide a boost on the court but also help get the team in the right mindset.
What is to come will not be easy, and the Clippers will need all hands on deck if they’re to accomplish their goals.
