Clippers' season a success despite falling short

In what's been a memorable year for the Los Angeles Clippers who went from being a sub .500 ball club (32-50) just a year ago to a 5th seed and advancing to the second round of the Western Conference Playoffs this season, the franchise was struck with an early exit. After a back and forth battle which featured a decisive game 7 victory on the road against the 4th seeded Memphis Grizzlies, the Clippers were given the daunting task of having to go up against the no. 1 seeded San Antonio Spurs. Fresh off their sweep of the Utah Jazz in the first round, San Antonio's veteran experience proved to be too much for a banged up Clippers squad who saw their 2012 campaign end much sooner than many would've hoped. After tying the Chicago Bulls for a league-best record of 50-16 during the regular season, the Gregg Popovich-led Spurs continued doing what they've done all season long -- winning, by moving to a perfect record of 8-0 this post-season and pulling off the sweep of the Clippers, serving as a blockade to L.A.'s magical run.

Despite being eliminated, the Clippers' season ended with their heads held high. Having been in the shadow of their Los Angeles counterparts -- the Lakers who the Clippers share a venue with, L.A.'s "other team" was given a different wrap in 2012 thanks in large part to a newly constructed roster which featured newcomers Kenyon Martin, Chauncey Billups, Mo Williams, Caron Butler, Nick Young, and All-Star Chris Paul. Coupled with returning players DeAndre Jordan and the high-flying Blake Griffin, the Clippers would showcase one of the West's better teams. Unfortunately, a season-ending injury sustained to Chauncey Billups would put a dent in the Clippers' season and spell doom for their chances of winning the franchise's first NBA title. Had Billups been healthy, there's no telling how the seeding would've shaped up and where the Clippers would be right now. My guess is they'd still be alive and well. Instead the organization and their fans will have to sit back and wait alongside the 26 other teams who's season has also ended. 

Although they might not have reached the ultimate goal this season, 2012 was still a success for the Clippers who not only gave their fans something to cheer about other than a Blake Griffin highlight-dunk, but also made only their eighth trip to the post-season in franchise history and fifth time since moving to Los Angeles in 1984. And with the nucleus of talent they have now, a season of experience having played with one another can't hurt and should only help the team in 2013. The biggest question mark regarding the team, however, is whether or not head coach Vinny Del Negro who's been at the helm in L.A. since 2010 will be the one on the sidelines drawing up plays for a fourth season. While the head coaching position begs a question, one thing that is certain is that the Clippers won't be taken lightly by other teams heading into the season like they have been in years passed. 


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Griffin's NBA Debut Will Have To Wait

One ballplayer who we all looked forward to seeing prior to the start of this NBA season, was Los Angeles Clipper -- Blake Griffin. After taking the college basketball world by storm last year with the Oklahoma Sooners, Griffin decided to enter the 2009 NBA draft after his Sophomore year. As projected, Griffin went on to be selected as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers, who won the draft lottery just weeks before the draft itself. Given his highly talented ability to play ball and desire to hustle on every play, Griffin needs no introduction to the common basketball fan. However, he might need one next season as he prepares to undergo surgery.

The 2009 Naismith Award winner put on a show during the 2009 Summer League and was named Summer League MVP. But on the last game of the preseason, Griffin suffered a stress fracture in his left knee after coming down from a dunk. Although Griffin wasn't in dire need of surgery, his NBA debut was put on hold. While awaiting recovery, tests revealed Griffen's knee was taking longer than expected to recover. & After what was suspected to be several weeks off, has now turned into an entire year as Griffin will undergo season ending surgery. The operation will put an end to any possibility of him making his long anticipated debut this year, as things can only look brighter next season for the young star.

Although the reports of Griffin needing additional surgery has just recently been confirmed, Griffin is no stranger to injuries, as he's had his fair share of time spent on the bench due to injuries and surgeries in his short but successful college career. Along with a concussion, Griffin has suffered injuries on both knees. & After the league seen what happened to Shaun Livingston's unfortunate injury plagued NBA career, mostly with the Clippers, many are beginning to wonder, 'Are the Clippers cursed?' However, if there is any curse, Portland Trailblazer Greg Oden has to surely be apart of it, given he's been injured a majority of his short career after being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. With Griffin out until the 2011 NBA season, any chances of him participating to win the Rookie of the Year award will be ruled out and he'll have to wait until next season if he hopes to secure the hardware.

Notable Awards - During his playing days in both High School and College, Griffin has went on to win such awards as the aforementioned Naismith Award (2009), John Wooden Award (2009), AP Big 12 Player of the Year, named to the McDonald's All-American and Jordan All-American teams, winner of the McDonald's All-American slam dunk contest and named Oklahoma Player of the Year by Gatorade, Tulsa World and The Oklahoman.