2012-2013 Record: 51-31

Season Highlight: I’d have to say it was the Clips’ regular season campaign. Big Daddy’s team seemed to cruise their way into a comfortable position as one of the West’s best teams, despite some injuries that could have ended their playoff hopes, the Clippers adjusted well, showed depth to overcome difficulties and finished the regular season in 3^rd place in the West.

Season Lowlight: The playoff series lost to the Dallas Mavericks. L.A. finally had their weapons locked and loaded and even led the series at one point, only to give it up in the end and allow Dallas to go through. Getting far into the playoffs is a good accomplishment for most teams, but with the kind of talent, regular season campaign and the expectations in L.A., it’s hard to argue the fans weren’t even little disappointed.

Best Trade: The Pierce-Lee trade. In this one, L.A. was able to bring in a younger star in David Lee plus their wingman for the season Kyle Korver who was incredible, posting solid numbers all around as expected. They had to give up their scoring star in Paul Pierce in the process, but this worked wonders for this Clippers team, giving them inside power to go along with Amare and deadly 3-point shooting.

Worst Trade:  There were no trades that were detrimental to his team and what Big Daddy is trying to do

Other Notable Trades: The LA Clippers send Raja Bell and Anderson Varejao to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Milwaukee Bucks send Paul Pierce to the LA Clippers.  – This is the one where LA gets Pierce in the first place, LA got the best of it in my eyes.

The LA Clippers send Tony Allen to the San Antonio Spurs. The San Antonio Spurs send Shane Battier to the LA Clippers. – In this one, LA and SA switch defensive players, but LA got the player with most years under contract, Battier.

Best FA Signing: Goes by the name of Alexey Shved, the Russian rookie just lit it up anytime he was on the court. Shved was BD’s 6^th man throughout the season and was just what L.A. needed and then some.

Worst FA Signing:  Hamed Haddadi - This one got some attention back when it happened. The Iranian National teamer never found his groove in the NBA and was later traded away by BD.

Star:

Monta Ellis, no question about it! Here’s a guy who was tremendous for the Clippers in a time where Stoudemire got hurt or when Lee was a little banged up or both, Monta put huuuge numbers every night and had no problems NOT sharing the ball, which is what he does best. Ellis was the brightest star for the Clippers this past season.

Surprise:

Alexey Shved again, there is no denying what this guy brought to BD’s squad, the spark from the bench, driving and kicking, shooting. Probably still one of the most underrated rookies last season given his contributions to L.A..

Goat:
Jannero Pargo – The dude got signed, traded, released, signed again, what an emotional roller coaster.One of his stops along the way was the Clippers.

Draft Report Card:  

The Los Angeles Clippers had no picks in this draft due to trades, both involving the arrival and departure of Paul Pierce from the team.

Looking to the Future:  

Things have to be looking up for the Clippers, their squad is a strong one, a lot of people under contract, a good regular season record and a fair amount of GM Points to spend in free agency. They look ready for another contending season. What a nice time to be a Clipper fan!!

Upcoming Free Agents:

Kyle Korver –  Contributor, brought mid-season, a no-brainer for L.A. in my opinion. Should stay.

Chris Andersen – Hustle player, has seen his career prolonged in L.A., solid all-around in Amare’s absence, should continue with the team.