Los Angeles Clippers: The Best Player In Each Season Of The 21st Century

The Los Angeles Clippers have had their highs and lows this century, but they’ve always had a standout player leading the way. From the exciting “Lob City” days to their current status as legit contenders, there’s always been someone carrying the load. Whether it was throwing down crazy dunks or stepping up in big playoff moments, these players were the heart of the team. So, let’s look back at who was the guy for the Clippers each year and see how they left their mark.

2000-01 Season – Lamar Odom

Stats: 17.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.6 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Lamar Odom was the brightest spot for the Clippers during the 2000-01 season. His all-around game stood out, as he led the team in scoring and assists while also contributing on the boards and defensively. Odom’s versatility made him a tough matchup, and even though the Clippers finished with a 31-51 record, he showed flashes of brilliance. Odom was the kind of player that gave the fans hope for a brighter future, hinting at what he could become later in his career.

2001-02 Season – Elton Brand

Stats: 18.2 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.0 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star

In his first full season with the Clippers, Elton Brand quickly established himself as the team’s leader. He was a double-double machine, consistently delivering solid performances on both ends of the floor. Brand’s efforts earned him his first All-Star appearance, making him the first Clippers player to reach the All-Star Game since Danny Manning in 1994. While the team finished 39-43, just shy of the playoffs, Brand’s impact was undeniable, and he brought some much-needed hope to the franchise.

2002-03 Season – Elton Brand

Stats: 18.5 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

In the 2002-03 season, Elton Brand continued to shine as the face of the Clippers. He averaged another impressive double-double, leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks. Although the Clippers struggled, finishing with a 27-55 record, Brand’s consistency was the bright spot. His shot-blocking presence and ability to dominate the paint made him one of the top big men in the league, but this season didn’t come with any individual accolades like the previous year. Still, he was the cornerstone the team relied on during tough times.

2003-04 Season – Elton Brand

Stats: 20.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Brand kept doing his thing in 2003-04, putting up another season where he averaged a double-double. He was still the go-to guy on a Clippers team that wasn’t getting many wins, but Brand’s consistency and ability to hold it down in the paint were the real highlights. The team finished 28-54, but you couldn’t blame Brand—he was doing everything he could, leading them in points, rebounds, and blocks again.

2004-05 Season – Elton Brand

Stats: 20.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.1 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Brand stayed locked in for another season, putting up almost identical numbers to the previous year. He was still the heart of the Clippers, dropping 20 points a game and doing the dirty work on defense. The team improved a little, finishing 37-45, but Brand was once again doing most of the heavy lifting. His presence in the paint was the team’s foundation, and while they made strides, they were still a few pieces away from seriously contending. Brand was the kind of player who made every game competitive, but without much support, it wasn’t enough to get them over the hump.

2005-06 Season – Elton Brand

Stats: 24.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team

Brand had his best year with the Clippers in 2005-06, putting up MVP-caliber numbers. He averaged nearly 25 points and 10 rebounds per game, leading the Clippers to a 47-35 record and their first playoff series win in franchise history, where they lost in the first round to the Suns in seven games. Brand was dominant on both ends, and his performance earned him All-Star and All-NBA Second Team honors.

2006-07 Season – Elton Brand

Stats: 20.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

While Brand’s numbers dipped a bit in 2006-07, he was still the Clippers’ best player, putting up solid stats across the board. The team, still, didn’t live up to expectations, finishing with a 40-42 record and missing the playoffs. Brand continued to be a reliable presence, but the Clippers couldn’t replicate the success of the previous year.

2007-08 Season – Corey Maggette

Stats: 22.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

With Elton Brand missing almost the entire season due to an Achilles injury, Corey Maggette stepped up as the Clippers’ best player. Maggette carried the offensive load, averaging over 22 points per game. Even with his great efforts, the team struggled, finishing with a 23-59 record. Brand’s absence was too much to overcome, but Maggette’s scoring kept things somewhat competitive.

2008-09 Season – Al Thornton

Stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

In a season where the Clippers were in rebuilding mode, Al Thornton emerged as one of the team’s top scorers. Thornton, in his second year, took on a bigger role offensively. The Clippers’ 19-63 record was rough, but Thornton’s development was one of the few positives as the team looked to the future.

2009-10 Season – Chris Kaman

Stats: 18.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star

Chris Kaman had a breakout year in 2009-10, earning his first All-Star selection. With Elton Brand gone, Kaman became the go-to guy, averaging nearly 19 points and 9 boards a game. Even though the Clippers finished 29-53 and missed the playoffs, Kaman’s strong play in the paint gave the team a solid foundation as they looked to rebuild.

2010-11 Season – Blake Griffin

Stats: 22.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: Rookie of the Year, All-Star

Blake Griffin’s rookie season was nothing short of legendary. After missing his first year due to injury, he came out with a vengeance, becoming an instant highlight machine. His athleticism and rim-rattling dunks had fans and media buzzing every night. Griffin didn’t just put on a show—he backed it up by averaging a huge double-double and becoming the face of the franchise. Winning Rookie of the Year and making the All-Star team was just the beginning of what would become the “Lob City” era.

2011-12 Season – Blake Griffin

Stats: 20.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team

Blake Griffin built on his amazing rookie season, continuing to dominate the paint while forming an explosive duo with Chris Paul in their first year together. The Clippers became one of the most exciting teams to watch, with Griffin’s dunks and athleticism taking center stage. They finished with a 40-26 record and entered the playoffs as a legitimate threat. They beat the Grizzlies in a tough seven-game series in the first round but got swept by the Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.

2012-13 Season – Blake Griffin

Stats: 18.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team

Griffin’s scoring and rebounding dropped a bit this season, but he improved as a passer and continued to be a key part of the Clippers’ offense. The team had their best regular season ever with a 56-26 record, securing home-court advantage in the playoffs. In the postseason, the Clippers lost to the Grizzlies in the first round, dropping four straight after winning the first two games of the series.

2013-14 Season – Blake Griffin

Stats: 24.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team

Blake Griffin had a stellar season in 2013-14, averaging over 24 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game. His offensive game evolved, showcasing improved ball-handling and playmaking skills, which helped him thrive alongside Chris Paul. The Clippers finished with a franchise-best 57-25 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, they advanced to the second round but were eliminated by the Thunder in a hard-fought six-game series.

2014-15 Season – Blake Griffin

Stats: 21.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team

Griffin continued to be a dominant force in the 2014-15 season, making his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance. He averaged nearly 22 points while also contributing significantly as a playmaker. The Clippers had another strong season, finishing with a 56-26 record. In the playoffs, they faced the Spurs in a thrilling first-round series, where they won in seven games. Unfortunately, they fell short in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Rockets, famously blowing a 3-1 series lead.

2015-16 Season – Chris Paul

Stats: 19.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 10.0 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team

Chris Paul was the heart and soul of the Clippers in the 2015-16 season. He averaged nearly 20 points and dished out 10 assists per game, proving once again why he’s considered one of the best point guards in the league. With a solid 53-29 record, the Clippers looked like real contenders heading into the playoffs. But things didn’t go as planned; they were knocked out in the first round by the Trail Blazers. It was a letdown for a team with serious championship hopes.

2016-17 Season – Blake Griffin

Stats: 21.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star

Blake Griffin returned to form in 2016-17, averaging over 21 points a game and showing why he’s a star in the league. He was the Clippers’ main scoring threat, and his versatility on the court helped the team finish with a solid 51-31 record. The Clippers were back in the playoffs, feeling good about their chances. But, once again, they faced disappointment, losing to the Jazz in a tough seven-game series. It was frustrating for fans who wanted to see Griffin and the Clippers finally break through.

2017-18 Season – Lou Williams

Stats: 22.6 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

In the 2017-18 season, Lou Williams stepped up as the Clippers’ primary scorer, averaging over 22 points a game. After Chris Paul’s offseason departure to Houston and Blake Griffin’s trade to the Detroit Pistons in January, Williams took on a bigger role. With Williams leading the way, the Clippers finished with a 42-40 record but missed the playoffs. While it was a disappointing outcome, Williams’ scoring ability kept the team competitive and provided a glimpse of hope for the future.

2018-19 Season – Lou Williams

Stats: 20.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: Sixth Man of the Year

Williams continued to shine in the 2018-19 season, averaging 20 points and providing key contributions off the bench. His performance earned him the Sixth Man of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as one of the best bench players in the league. The Clippers finished the season with a respectable 48-34 record, making their way back to the playoffs, where they faced the Golden State Warriors and were eliminated in the first round, but the foundation was being laid for a more competitive future.

2019-20 Season – Kawhi Leonard

Stats: 27.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team

The 2019-20 season was a big deal for the Clippers, as they brought in superstar Kawhi Leonard, who had just won the NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors, and traded for MVP candidate Paul George from the Thunder to start a new era.

Kawhi averaged over 27 points, showcasing his scoring ability while also grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing out nearly 5 assists per game. The Clippers finished the season strong with a record of 49-23, positioning themselves as one of the top contenders for the championship. Unfortunately, their playoff run ended disappointingly when they were upset by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals after blowing a 3-1 series lead. This loss left many fans questioning whether the team could finally break through.

2020-21 Season – Paul George

Stats: 23.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team

In the 2020-21 season, Paul George emerged as the key piece for the Clippers with Kawhi Leonard facing injuries all season long. He averaged 23 points per game, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The Clippers had a solid regular season, finishing with a 47-25 record. George played a crucial role as the playoffs approached, but the team faced challenges as they navigated injuries to key players. In the playoffs, they made a strong run to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, but fell short against the Phoenix Suns, losing the series in six games.

2021-22 Season – Paul George

Stats: 24.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.7 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Paul George stepped up as the leader for the Clippers, averaging over 24 points per game. However, injuries plagued the team, particularly George himself, who missed a significant portion of the season due to an elbow injury. The Clippers finished the regular season with a 42-40 record and made it to the play-in tournament. They faced the New Orleans Pelicans and lost, ending their playoff hopes for the year.

2022-23 Season – Kawhi Leonard

Stats: 23.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Kawhi Leonard returned in 2022-23, showing he could still score, averaging nearly 24 points per game. However, he dealt with injury issues throughout the season again, which limited his playing time. The Clippers ended with a 44-38 record, securing a playoff spot but struggled with chemistry and consistency. In the playoffs, they faced the Phoenix Suns and were eliminated in the first round, marking another early exit for a team hoping to finally make a deep run.

2023-24 Season – Kawhi Leonard

Stats: 23.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Kawhi Leonard had a solid 2023-24 season, averaging close to 24 points per game. But, once again, injuries were a headache. He missed the last eight games of the regular season because of knee inflammation, which carried over into the playoffs. The Clippers finished strong with a 51-31 record and made the postseason. Unfortunately, they ran into the Dallas Mavericks in the first round and got knocked out in six games. Another early exit left fans frustrated as they hoped for a deeper run, and later in the offseason led to Paul George’s departure to the 76ers.