The Los Angeles Clippers have more or less been in consistent contention between the 2011 and 2023 seasons thanks to an elite mix of superstar players that have elevated fans’ expectations. Even if the Clippers have yet to make an NBA Finals, let alone win an NBA championship, they have come close by going as far as the Western Conference Finals.
It is time to go through recent history to name the best Clippers player every season between 2011 and the recently completed 2023 campaign. From the early days of “Lob City” to the promising years of the dynamic duo, the Clippers have changed rosters and even coaches in their bid for a championship, and here is their best player per season between 2011 and 2023.
2010-11: Blake Griffin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3mhbpTFrbM
Stats: 22.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, Rookie of the Year
In the 2011 season, Blake Griffin burst onto the NBA scene with a rookie campaign that left a lasting impact on the Los Angeles Clippers. Griffin’s statistics were extraordinary, as he averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. These numbers are impressive for any player, let alone a rookie. What made his performance even more remarkable was his high-flying and acrobatic style of play, which consistently filled highlight reels.
Griffin’s Rookie of the Year award was well-deserved, as he made an immediate impact with his athleticism, explosive dunks, and tenacity on the boards. He not only became the face of the Clippers but also breathed new life into a franchise that had struggled for years. His selection as an NBA All-Star in his first season was a testament to his instant stardom.
What’s particularly noteworthy about Griffin’s rookie season is that he missed the entire previous year due to injury, so this was his official NBA debut. His ability to seamlessly transition into the league and dominate on the court speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic. It was a season that signaled the beginning of a new era for the Clippers and set the stage for Griffin to become one of the most exciting and influential players in the NBA during this period.
2011-12: Chris Paul
Stats: 19.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.1 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team Selection, All-Defensive First Team Selection, Steals Champion
In 2012, the Los Angeles Clippers made a significant move that would reshape the franchise, acquiring Chris Paul. Paul’s impact was immediate and profound, and his stats for the 2012 season reflect his exceptional abilities as a point guard. He averaged 19.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and an impressive 9.1 assists per game, showcasing his exceptional playmaking skills.
What truly set Chris Paul apart, however, was his defensive prowess. With an impressive 2.5 steals per game, he not only led the league in steals but also earned a spot on the All-Defensive First Team, highlighting his ability to disrupt opponents and create turnovers.
His impact went beyond individual accolades. Chris Paul was instrumental in transforming the Clippers into a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The Clippers reached the second round of the playoffs before getting swept by the San Antonio Spurs and Paul’s performance, both on offense and defense, was a driving force behind their success.
2012-13: Chris Paul
Stats: 16.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 9.7 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team Selection, All-Defensive First Team Selection, All-Star Game MVP, Steals Champion
In 2013, Chris Paul continued to be the driving force behind the Los Angeles Clippers’ success. While his scoring slightly decreased to 16.9 points per game, he maintained his stellar playmaking, averaging 9.7 assists, and remained a defensive stalwart, with 2.4 steals per game. Paul’s all-around contributions were invaluable to the team.
Furthermore, his performance in the All-Star Game was nothing short of spectacular, as he earned the All-Star Game MVP, highlighting his ability to shine on the grandest stage of the league. The point guard posted 20 points and 15 assists in the game while creating highlight plays with his passing.
Chris Paul’s leadership and exceptional court vision continued to make the Clippers a competitive force in the Western Conference. His selfless play and the way he elevated the play of his teammates were instrumental in their success. While his individual stats may have seen a slight dip, his impact on the team remained immense although the Clippers lost in the first round of the playoffs.
2013-14: Chris Paul
Stats: 19.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 10.7 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team Selection, All-Defensive First Team Selection, Assist Champion, Steals Champion
In 2014, Chris Paul continued his exceptional run with the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing his brilliance as a point guard. Paul’s playmaking abilities reached new heights, and he led the league in assists, earning the Assist Champion title and spearheading “Lob City”.
Defensively, he remained a force to be reckoned with, averaging 2.5 steals per game and securing his second consecutive Steals Champion title. His consistency on the defensive end was reflected in his inclusion in the All-Defensive First Team for the third consecutive year.
Chris Paul’s performance and leadership were pivotal in keeping the Clippers among the league’s elite. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess made him one of the most well-rounded and impactful players in the NBA. Earning yet another All-NBA First Team selection and an All-Star nod reinforced his status as one of the league’s top talents.
2014-15: Chris Paul
Stats: 19.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team Selection, All-Defensive First Team Selection, Assist Champion
In 2015, Chris Paul maintained his high level of performance as the leader of the Los Angeles Clippers. While his scoring and rebounding numbers remained consistent with 19.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, his playmaking continued to shine, with an average of 10.2 assists per game. Once again, Paul led the league in assists, solidifying his reputation as the Assist Champion.
Defensively, he remained a stalwart, earning a place on the All-Defensive First Team for the fourth consecutive year, underlining his consistent ability to disrupt opponents and create turnovers with 1.9 steals per game.
Paul’s ability to consistently lead the league in assists, maintain his defensive prowess, and continue to be recognized as an All-Star and an All-Defensive First Team selection showcased his enduring excellence. In 2015, he continued to be the engine that drove the Clippers, as the team made it to the second round of the playoffs but fell to James Harden and the Houston Rockets.
2015-16: 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 Selection, All-Defensive First Team Selection
With the team winning 53 games, the Los Angeles Clippers were once again led by superstar playmaker Chris Paul. Although he didn’t secure a spot on the All-NBA First Team, this was more a testament to the fierce competition in the league rather than a decline in his skills.
His combination of elite playmaking, scoring ability, and defensive prowess made him a well-rounded and captivating player to watch. In 2016, Paul’s contributions went beyond statistics. His ability to control the game’s tempo and make his teammates better was a defining trait that doesn’t always show up in the box score.
His impact on the Clippers was immeasurable, making him not only one of the league’s top point guards but also the best leader in the game alongside LeBron James. Unfortunately, losing the postseason seemed to be the pattern for one of the best point guards of his time as the Clippers were bounced in the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers.
2016-17: Chris Paul
Stats: 18.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 9.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Defensive First Team Selection
In 2017, Chris Paul continued to be a central figure for the Los Angeles Clippers but it was a bittersweet season. The Clippers, despite their regular-season success (51 wins), experienced a disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Utah Jazz in a hard-fought seven-game series. This outcome was a pivotal moment in the franchise’s recent history, signaling a need for change and evolution within the team.
Chris Paul’s contributions remained remarkable, but the early postseason exit highlighted the need for the Clippers to adapt and reevaluate their approach. Despite the playoff disappointment, Paul’s individual achievements and consistent inclusion in the All-Defensive First Team showcased his commitment to excellence on both ends of the court. In 2017, the Clippers faced a challenging moment, but it also marked an opportunity for the team to reevaluate and grow in the seasons to come.
2017-18: Lou Williams
Stats: 22.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Achievements And Awards: Sixth Man Of The Year
In 2018, the Los Angeles Clippers underwent significant changes, and one player who stepped up in a big way was Lou Williams. Williams had an outstanding season, averaging 22.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His scoring ability and playmaking skills were on full display, which earned him the prestigious Sixth Man of the Year award, highlighting his invaluable role coming off the bench.
The 2018 season was marked by the departure of key players. Chris Paul had been traded to the Houston Rockets, and Blake Griffin was sent to the Detroit Pistons. These trades signaled a major shift in the Clippers’ roster and strategy, transitioning towards a new era for the franchise. The departure of these stars emphasized the need for new leaders to emerge, and Lou Williams was one of the players who rose to the occasion.
Lou Williams’ incredible scoring ability and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him a crucial figure in the Clippers’ transition period. His Sixth Man of the Year award (second at the time) underscored his value as a dynamic scoring option off the bench. In 2018, the Clippers saw a changing of the guard, and Lou Williams was at the forefront of this new chapter in the team’s history.
2018-19: Lou Williams
Stats: 20.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Achievements And Awards: Sixth Man Of The Year
In 2019, Lou Williams continued to excel in his role as the Los Angeles Clippers’ sixth man. He maintained his impressive scoring with an average of 20.0 points per game, while also contributing 3.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. His scoring prowess and playmaking abilities made him an invaluable asset to the team’s competitiveness as Doc Rivers’ side won an impressive 48 games without the presence of a true star.
What made 2019 particularly noteworthy for Lou Williams was his second consecutive Sixth Man of the Year award. This achievement highlighted his consistency as one of the best bench players in the league. Williams’ ability to come off the bench and provide an immediate offensive spark, as well as facilitate for his teammates, was a significant factor in the Clippers’ competitiveness.
His back-to-back Sixth Man of the Year awards (third overall) were a testament to his unique skill set and his value in his specialized role. In 2019, Lou Williams solidified his status as one of the premier sixth men in the history of the NBA, and his contributions played a vital role in the Clippers’ aspirations for success.
2019-20: 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 Selection, All-Defensive Second Team Selection, All-Star Game MVP
In 2020, the Los Angeles Clippers made a significant splash in the NBA by acquiring Kawhi Leonard in free agency and trading for Paul George. These moves instantly transformed the Clippers into title contenders and generated enormous expectations for the team.
Kawhi Leonard, known for his exceptional two-way play, lived up to the hype. He averaged 27.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. His statistics illustrated his scoring ability, versatility, and defensive prowess a year after winning the title with the Toronto Raptors.
The 2020 season saw the Clippers win 49 games during the regular season, earning them a strong spot in the playoffs. However, their postseason journey was filled with highs and lows. Despite their status as favorites, they faced a stunning collapse in the Western Conference Semifinals, losing to the Denver Nuggets in seven games after holding a 3-1 series lead.
The Clippers’ unexpected exit from the playoffs highlighted the challenges of maintaining focus and consistency in the unique environment of the NBA bubble. Many believed that had they been more focused, they could have contended for an NBA championship. Nevertheless, Kawhi Leonard’s presence, combined with the addition of Paul George, firmly established the Clippers as serious contenders in the league.
Kawhi Leonard’s individual achievements, including his All-NBA Second Team selection and All-Defensive Second Team selection, underlined his significance as one of the league’s premier players. While the 2020 season ended in disappointment, it set the stage for the Clippers to regroup and pursue their championship aspirations in the seasons to come.
2020-21: Kawhi Leonard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDptOCds7Gs
Stats: 24.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team Selection, All-Defensive Second Team Selection
In 2021, Kawhi Leonard continued to shine as one of the premier players in the NBA. He posted impressive statistics with averages of 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game, demonstrating his scoring ability and well-rounded game.
Despite Kawhi’s remarkable individual season, the Clippers encountered a challenging situation in the Western Conference Finals. Kawhi missed a significant portion of the season, playing in only 52 games, and was absent for the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns due to an injury. This presented a significant setback for the team, as Leonard’s leadership and two-way impact were sorely missed.
In his absence, Paul George stepped up admirably, taking on a larger role as the team’s primary scorer and playmaker. However, the Clippers ultimately fell to the Phoenix Suns in six games. While they had a strong regular season, winning 47 games, and made it to the Western Conference Finals, the loss emphasized the importance of a healthy Kawhi Leonard to the team’s championship aspirations.
Kawhi Leonard’s individual accomplishments, including his All-NBA First Team selection and All-Defensive Second Team selection, highlighted his continued excellence. Despite the challenges the Clippers faced in 2021, they remained a competitive force in the league, and the team continued to build towards its goal of capturing an NBA championship.
2021-22: Paul George
Stats: 24.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.7 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Achievements And Awards: N/A
In 2022, Paul George took on the role of the Clippers’ primary star after Kawhi Leonard was sidelined for the entire season due to an ACL injury. George displayed his skills and leadership, averaging 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.2 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. Despite the team’s ongoing injury struggles, George remained a standout player, demonstrating his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and defensive prowess.
Unfortunately, the Clippers faced significant challenges during the season. They won 42 games, but it wasn’t enough to secure a playoff berth. The team’s constant struggles with injuries to key players, including Kawhi Leonard and others, frustrated fans and hindered their ability to compete at a high level.
The absence of Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers’ failure to make the playoffs highlighted the team’s heavy reliance on their star players and the impact of injuries on their competitiveness. Despite the challenges, Paul George’s performance remained a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, demonstrating his ability to step up in difficult circumstances and lead the team.
While Paul George didn’t secure any individual awards in 2022, his contributions to the Clippers showcased his resilience and talent, serving as a reminder of his importance to the team’s future aspirations. Clippers fans were undoubtedly hopeful for better health and a brighter future in the seasons to come.
2022-23: Kawhi Leonard
Stats: 23.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Achievements And Awards: N/A
In 2023, the Los Angeles Clippers faced another challenging season due to injuries. Kawhi Leonard returned to the team, playing in 52 regular-season games. He posted solid statistics, averaging 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. Despite the absence of individual awards, Leonard continued to demonstrate his excellence as a two-way player, contributing both offensively and defensively.
The story of the season remained the team’s struggle with injuries. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who played 56 regular-season games, faced injury setbacks. The Clippers’ postseason hopes took a major hit when Leonard suffered a season-ending injury after just two playoff games. This unfortunate turn of events led to the Clippers losing in five games to the Phoenix Suns in the first round, emphasizing the team’s ongoing battle with injuries.
Paul George managed to secure a spot on the All-Star Team, showcasing his individual performance and leadership, but Leonard remained the team’s best two-way player. The injuries to both stars once again underlined the challenge of maintaining consistent competitiveness when key players are sidelined.
Despite the setbacks, the Clippers remained resilient, and their fans hoped for better health and a more promising future. The 2023 season was a reminder of the team’s need for injury management and their dependence on their star players for postseason success.
