With the Lakers winning their sixteenth championship, holding a massive parade, and questions over Phil Jackson's future, it's easy to forget about L.A.'s "other" team. The Los Angeles Clippers have seemingly always operated in the shadow of the Lake Show ever since the team moved to Los Angeles in 1984. However, there is reason to believe that (relatively) happy times are just around the corner - which made me wonder what the happiest Clippers fan was thinking. Of course, I am referring to Clipper Darrell.
Darrell Bailey, who is known to Clippers fans as "Clipper Darrell," has been a season-ticket holder for the last ten seasons. He is probably the most vocal, humorous, and supportive fan in the history of sports. He is at every Clippers home game, a streak of 386 consecutive games snapped this year when he was hospitalized. (Fortunately, he's all better now.)
Whether you're sitting courtside or in the upper deck, you can clearly hear Clipper Darrell's voice. Among his infamous chants is "U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi, you ugly!" when a Clippers opponent is shooting free throws. One chant that I vividly remember was "We want Chucky!" to former Lakers point guard Chucky Atkins.
In addition, to having a distinct voice, Clipper Darrell also has a unique wardrobe. He attends every Clippers game in his signature red and blue suit and Clippers cap. Plus, as reported by Yahoo! Sports, he spent $12,000 to Clipper-ize his BMW. (FYI: He owns a body shop.) Honestly, you can't miss him.
Having seen so many games up close, I figured he may have an interesting perspective on things - and he didn't let me down.
As history shows, the Clippers have not been particularly successful when it comes to draft picks and free agency. The team also lacks camaraderie, which is what Clipper Darrell identifies as the reason why seemingly talented Clippers squads of the past never materialized. In fact, Bailey said in a telephone interview Tuesday, this week "I think they should trade the pick for a veteran." Interestingly enough, some reports have the Clippers following his advice, while certain reports state otherwise.
The Clippers are also among many potential suiters for LeBron James. Perhaps Clippers Nation, the name of the Clippers' fan base, made the best pitch by staging a rally, organized and led by Clipper Darrell, for James. When asked how far the Clippers could go with LeBron James, Clipper Darrell instantly said they could win it all.
In addition to the Clippers' pursuit of LeBron James, the team is also in search of a new head coach. This past season, the organization broke ties with general manager and head coach Mike Dunleavy, whose tenure with the C's, according to Clipper Darrell, "was good at first and then it went downhill." Clipper Darrell believes that current Lakers assistant coach, Brian Shaw, is the right candidate to take over the position. One may sense that Clipper Darrell's suggestion stems in some part from his apparent friendship with Shaw. Nevertheless, with Phil Jackson stating today that he is "leaning toward retirement," Brian Shaw may very well coach the Lakers next season.
At the moment, Clippers Nation has plenty to look forward to. Barring any freak accidents, Blake Griffin will be ready to go this season. Baron Davis will be back running things at the point. There will be a new coach, a fresh voice to guide the players. What's more, there will be new players, possibly a superstar like LeBron James. Who knows? Maybe next season the Clippers will be in a position to fulfill Clipper Darrell's prophecy of a "Championship, baby!"
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