The LeBron Parade
by Steve Perrin on May 27, 2010 1:01 AM PDT
in News
Email
PrintDon't forget that today at 3:00 PM is the "Bring LeBron to the Clippers Parade" - 3 PM at LA Live.
Clipper Darrell and Joshua Fischel deserve a ton of credit for putting this thing together. I'm obviously a devoted fan of the Clippers and invest a lot of time into Clips Nation as evidence. But what I do, skulking around in cyberspace, is a lot safer. These guys are putting their fanship out there, and I really admire them for that.
When I first heard the idea, I was worried that it could go horribly wrong, with a meager showing of Clipper fans drowning in a sea of purple and gold before game five of the Western Conference Finals. And frankly, that could still happen. But I'm not really worried, because we've got an ace in the hole on this thing. And his name is Clipper Darrell.
No one can really accuse Darrell of jumping on a Clipper Bandwagon in the summer of LeBron. And no one who is familiar with Darrell can help but admire his loyalty to the team. With Darrell leading the troops, a 'parade', as insane as it at first seems, makes perfect sense. Because Darrell is involved, it's not a deranged, pathetic publicity stunt by a deranged pathetic fanbase. It's a sincere act of fandom by arguably the most sincere fan in the NBA. And Clipper fans should show up to support the cause, but frankly also to support Darrell.
Last I checked, there were over 2000 members of the "Bring LeBron to the Clippers" Facebook page, which is a solid number. I also saw that the special T-shirts for the parade had sold out. So the cause has good support, and I assume that the parade will have good turnout.
Will it make a difference? I sure doubt it. After all, LeBron has plenty of datapoints on which to make his decision. But it sure as hell can't hurt. If it gets the Clippers a little bit more on his radar, if it gets people talking about LA as a destination for the King, then that's something. It's certainly not as bad as that lame "Please Stay LeBron" song they did in Cleveland.
So put on your Clippers gear, head out to LA Live at 3:00, and show your support for the Clippers, for LeBron, and if for no other reason, for Clipper Darrell.
100 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The real question is
where do we all go after the parade to watch the Suns upset the Fakers?
FA in 2010.
ESPN First Take
They are going to discuss the parade in a bit. I think I remember reading that Clipper Darrell was going to be on around 8:15.
First Take
I wasn’t able to watch first take, can anyone provide some commentary on the interview.
Thanks.
Go Clippers.
by The Blake Griffin Era on May 27, 2010 9:05 AM PDT reply actions
Clipper Darrell is a beast.
Glad he’s on our side! Hope this thing turns out well. Can’t believe it’s literally “raining on our parade” today.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's doing down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on May 27, 2010 9:32 AM PDT reply actions
I'm not sure I want LeBron to sign here
It would change everything, and not necessarily for the better. The bandwagon will become over-full. It won’t be just our team anymore.
But I do think LeBron will give the Clips a look. Especially if they were to hire Phil Jackson.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
I know
I tried to articulate that feeling in this post.
Having said that, the team absolutely has to try to get him, and the fans have to support the approach. It’s one avenue for building a winner in the NBA.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on May 27, 2010 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I know many might think it is a futile attempt (in fact I do)
still the absolute best move the Clippers can make is a LeBron signing. He will have the team, as well as many others, in a hostage situation; but if it is the absolute best option the Clippers must pursue it
i feel the same way as steve does about this.
By itself, I’m lukewarm about having Lebron as a Clipper. However in the greater scheme of things weighing in the fact that this is one of the greatest players to ever play the game, potentially multiplied by our Clipper’s history of futility, we absolutely must shoot for the stars on this. Any team with the financial ability to who are not named; Lakers, Spurs, Phoenix, Toronto or Utah, need to go after Lebron ballz to the wall.
Really?
You’re not tired of the constant ridicule and instant dismissal of all basketball-related arguments that comes with being a Clippers fan?
I could handle bandwagoners if it meant that I’d never have to hear “Well, you’re a Clippers fan, so that invalidates your point” ever again.
Clippers // Chargers // Rays // Panthers // Gators // Boise State
LA is the Clippers' city, the Lakers just play in it!
But who cares what those people think?
Clippers fans are some of the most knowledgeable fans out there. Anyone who judges a Clipper fan based on the team’s record just doesn’t know what they are talking about. I have mixed feelings on LeBron myself, but in no way do I care how LeBron makes fans of other teams feel about the Clips.
True, but it's still an instant conversation-ender.
If you bring anything else up to them, they’ll obsess over the Clippers’ record and then hop back onto whatever bandwagon they’re riding this minute.
Clippers // Chargers // Rays // Panthers // Gators // Boise State
LA is the Clippers' city, the Lakers just play in it!
"I'm not sure I want Lebron the sign here"
Huh? You’re kidding, right?
I think I understand
To some it’s more interesting and more fun being a big fish in a small pond. But regardless of LBJ, if our team starts winning on a consistent basis (and they are making baby steps in that direction), the bandwagon will grow regardless. Why not have it grow with the best player in the game?
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
I love to watch LeBron play. He is incredible.
But there is something about the idea of the home-grown team that I enjoy. The Spurs are my model.
The Lakers are the opposite of home-grown. All of their success is due to free agency and sham trades.
I would love to see the Clips build around Blake and be “their own man”.
That being said…I’m sure I would learn to love LBJ on the Clips. But it would be
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Not sure I understand
Other than their great coach, who I believe is a disciple of Larry Brown, who used to coach the Spurs, they needed Tim Duncan, the first pick, to win. They only got him because the Admiral was hurt that year. Thus, there’s a bit of luck.
The requirements are generally good ownership, good management , good coaching and talent. We have not had any of that for a long time. Why not start with a talent upgrade (not that it’s going to happen).
Not sure I agree about the Lakers. Weren’t they pretty much home grown in the 80s? What about the trade that got them Kobe? Wasn’t that a great move by a great GM? And don’t they have a pretty good coach?
I can understand the argument relating to Pau Gasol, but there I think it takes two to tango.
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
With that said,
I began to dislike the Lakers with Shaq. Not because he’s a horrible player or anything – just bored with that type of game, although effective
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
I think that’s a point where a few of us will diverge. I happened to never be a Laker fan. I’m young enough that the first game my dad took me to was a Clipper game. So I’ve never had those years of dominance to get bored with.
A lot of people here are converted Clipper fans, from formerly Laker and Celtic. Your outlook is different as you’ve experienced the winning.
by Michael White on May 27, 2010 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Kobe trade...
I thought we went over this before…but Kobe DEMANDED (or his agent actually) that he be drafted by the Lakers, and if some other team drafted him, he would NOT sign with them. So, I think that “trade” (for Vlade Divac if memory serves), wasn’t exactly a great move, as you put it. Granted, the Lakers talent evaluators had Kobe pretty high, and for that I give them credit. However, Kobe made it all that much easier by “picking” which team he wanted to play for. Sadly, this is just a glimpse of the self-serving, egotistic Kobe that we all know and love/hate.
The Pau trade was gift-wrapped, but the Kobe trade was also somewhat of a sweetheart deal as well.
Do or do not. There is no try.
Close.
Charlotte actually drafted him, but his agent said that Kobe actually playing for the Hornets was “an impossibility.” The Fakers then made the trade.
I still find it gross, just like the Eli Manning situation was gross in the NFL. Players shouldn’t be able to pick which team they want to go to. It invalidates the whole concept of a draft. “Draft” implies no choice at all.
Clippers // Chargers // Rays // Panthers // Gators // Boise State
LA is the Clippers' city, the Lakers just play in it!
Didn't the Lakers give up a GREAT center to get him?
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
I think so
Divac is completely underrated
IIRC he is only one of 5 players in NBA history to lead his team in pts, reb, ast, blks, and stls for one full season.
Right - Kobe was not a sure thing at the time
After all, he was drafted at 13th or something. Calculated risk on the part of the Lakers that paid off. Their GM (can’t think of his name . . .) did a great job.
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
Word. Kobe was not Lebron coming out of high school. He was a gamble that paid off.
by Michael White on May 27, 2010 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Well he was suppose to go higher
but his agent let a lot of the teams know he would only play in a few markets (I think it was something like LA, Philly and NY). The Nets considered him but took Kerry Kittles instead.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on May 27, 2010 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
No, because they had just signed Shaq
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
He's still a great valuable center
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
Home grown
I think he means home grown as in players who developed within the franchise. Tim has always been on the Spurs, Kobe has always been on the Lakers, Paul Pierce will always be on the Celtics, and Durant will probably always be on the Thunder.
Bringing in LBJ would make us just like the Lakers bringing in Gasol or the Celtics bringing in Ray Allen and KG.
Of course, both of those teams got rings, so……… yea, I think I care a LOT more about winning a championship than being able to say it I did it without an extremely fortunate free agency pickup.
I understand
But so much of this is luck. Had we the first pick that year, we would have taken LBJ.
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
Sure
We got lucky with the Griffin pick too. Lakers got lucky in 1979 that the first rounder they acquired from the Jazz for Gail Goodrich ended up being the #1 pick in the Magic draft. Luck is good.
I’m just cautioning that LBJ signing with the Clippers will create a huge circus. Bandwagon celeberties at the games. Higher ticket prices. It will be a whole new circus, not much different from the Lakers.
Were the Clippers to quietly build a winning team around their homegrown talent, like the Spurs, it would be more repsectable. To me.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
So you're saying...
A championship with LeBron would be good, but a championship without LeBron would be even better? Thing is, it’s not so easy winning a championship either way, right? The choice is likely not between (a) and (b) above, but rather © continuing to suck for eternity.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on May 27, 2010 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions
One without LeBron would be MUCH better
We did it our way. But it hinges on Griffin emerging as a Duncan-like star.
But, as you said, a ring is no guarantee either way.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Boy I disagree with that
If we are somehow able to sign LBJ then we did it our way
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
Good points, but
Realistically LBJ would so drastically increase the value of the Clippers’ franchise that it’s highly unlikely that he will come here because of the owner , management and coaching history of the team. There is very little luck involved with the signing of such high-level free agents (unlike there is in drafting them).
Let’s assume that Blake is as amazing as we hope. He will walk at the end of his contractual term unless we do what is necessary to build a successful franchise around him. Management, coaching, etc.
The EB debacle is a case in point. Yes it turned out for the best because he has been hurt, but we were not on the running to retain our own second tier free agent. That’s one of the main reasons I was hoping that they would ditch MDSr – he was not able to get it done.
Why did Kobe want to come to the Lakers? I think we all know the reason.
While I want to respect how we become successful as well, today building a winning team successfully involves alot more than the luck of the draft. If LBJ were to land here, that would mean that our front office achieved a major coup and it would bode well for the future of the franchise not only because we have LBJ (or another high tier free agent), but also because of what that says about how they are going to be running the team going forward.
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
Sorry - not "in the running" but that we weren't able to keep him
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
did we complain about "home grown"...
When we had Brand and just signed Baron? No. So what is the difference. Now don’t get me wrong, I place greater connection towards building our own players up to flourish, but I won’t be narrow in vision to understand free-agency is just another part of basketball business and if our Clipper organization did not share vaguely similar sentiments, then we really are just the JV squad.
by Takebb909 on May 27, 2010 10:20 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Blake Griffin will be home grown..
and he’ll be great next to Lebron.
"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.
by CLiPPz WeRD 12 on May 28, 2010 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions
you want to pay Laker prices for your seats?
I’m in the first row off the floor — excellent view of NBA caliber ball at what, half or less than I’d pay for the same seats at a Laker game? How long do you think that will last if we were to land LBJ?
by benoit benjamin's two left shoes on May 27, 2010 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Ya, screw winning
I’d rather the seats continue to be cheap because the team sucks.
by Michael White on May 27, 2010 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
LOL
But that viewpoint is valid – with the current clippers, b/c they suck, you can get cheap tix and watch other good teams kick the (*&^& out of our team.
I don’t think that type of fan is a true fan. Sorry Benoit.
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
much rather go to less games for a championship caliber team
if a championship caliber team means that I have to reduce the number of games I attend to under 5, I will make that sacrifice.
Still, you really can’t blame benoit for making that argument. If you are a fan of basketball and live in LA it’s hard not to love the price of tickets to Clips games
I get it
I mean, I do the same thing. I intentionally purchase tickets for games agains Minnesota, NJ, et al because 1) they are the cheapest and 2) I want to go to a Clippers win (I actually had a great W-L record on games I went to last season.)
But actively rooting for the team to not get too good so that ticket values stays low is a tough sell.
by Michael White on May 27, 2010 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I can't be there
But I definitely support Clipper Darrell. I don’t think this parade will have anything to do with getting Lebron here, but I think it will show people that yes there are Clippers fans and we are loyal!
Make it happen Josh...
You guys rock
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on May 27, 2010 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions
someone live streaming this historic event!?
Roger Sterling: To my knees, Don. They're bringing to my knees!"
I WISH I could be there
I finally made the trip to LA this month and the pilgrimage to Staples. After lucking out on finding as much as a Clippers sticker or t-shirt in most of Orange County (not really surprised,) I figured that Team LA would be packed with Clippers gear, given that Staples is their home Arena… wow was I wrong. They had maybe 14 t-shirts and they were mostly XXXL Elton Brand shirts, with a kids sized Livingston jersey. I told my girlfriend (big Lakers fan) it was probably because they had sold out and that would explain the ridiculous number of Luke Walton jerseys hanging on the racks. I guess it was bare because the Clippers’ season was over and the Lakers are still hanging on in the playoffs, but still…….. Where is the best actual store in LA to get Clippers gear?
Best of luck with the parade, it sounds like it will be a lot of fun. I hope Chris Kaman turns up and makes buttered scones for everybody. Good work Darrel. LETS GO PARADE!!!
9:21 LAC - Offensive foul on C. Smith
by LancasterGordon4Eva on May 27, 2010 1:36 PM PDT reply actions
Dude: Here is how it works
About 5 or 6 before the season ends, and its clear the Clips are lottery bond and the Lakers are play-off bound, all Clipper gear goes on half-price sale. I mean all – no exceptions. Then, with about a week or two left, anything left goes to 70% off.
That way they can stock the place to the rafters with No. 24, all Kobe, all the time crap.
You want a deal, wait until about a month before the end of the 2010-2011 season, you can get your pick of Clipper gear at at least half-off. That is, unless you think we’re going to make the play-offs!
by benoit benjamin's two left shoes on May 27, 2010 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
arrived
Get here. Good energy building…and no rain.
by banandy on May 27, 2010 2:51 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Maybe 50 or so…steadily growing. I was interviewed by CBS 5 from phoenix.
CD has been doing a ton right next to me.
by banandy on May 27, 2010 3:07 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
hard to count the crowd but feels like 100 or so
More keep coming in steadily…
by banandy on May 27, 2010 3:21 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
im waiting for my boy......... any lakers fans?
"Put the icing on the cake ladies and gentlemen" - Ralph Lawler vs. The Grizzlies
by In GrIfFin We TrUsT on May 27, 2010 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions
anybody got posters or signs? im bringing mine with balloons!
"Put the icing on the cake ladies and gentlemen" - Ralph Lawler vs. The Grizzlies
by In GrIfFin We TrUsT on May 27, 2010 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Please post pics of this event :-)
I am sure a few fans will take their camera to capture this event for those that aren’t able to attend. Sounds like fun and hopefully Lebron gives the Clippers an interview.
Rain shine blizzard i'm here baby!
I’m here but i hope more people show up either way it feels like a party. I say between
100 & 200 people. I’m having a cold beer inside then i come back out to check the
crowd. It looks like Espn is showing this on TV. I have my lucky clipper blue & white
jacket.
Parade was just on ESPNews!
Wish I could be there with ya guys.. Keep it rockin, looks great!
"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.
Roger Sterling: To my knees, Don. They're bringing to my knees!"
by Lawler's Law on May 27, 2010 5:20 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
why did i just walk by Clipper Darryl talking to the police for several mins??
Where did the parade go? I think I saw ingriffinwe trust with the balloon sign….
by Takebb909 on May 27, 2010 5:24 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Anyone with a count
one count I saw on another site said 50 but that pic. looks closer to 100
LeBron or Bust !!!!
That Video is Classic, simply Classic,
Clipper nation was like a Gang crashing the Faker Game and just hope PHX kicks some Ass tonight.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
TNT hasn't showed anything :(
"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.
maybe they will mention it later
although it obviously wasn’t too pathetic because they would have been laughing at them by now.
LeBron or Bust !!!!
nothing during pre-game... doubtful during the game.
Did anybody notice any TNT crews filming?
yeah, they had a big crane on a swivel type camera next to the statue of Magic.
when we walked by it, they had the camera swivel and hover around us…
I had finals but props to the members of Clips Nation who were representing!
Clips Nation, 2010-11 Reloaded!!
That was fun
I expected more heckling, but that’s not a complaint. I guess it was too early for all the Laker fans to be drunk already.
by Handsome_B._Wonderful on May 27, 2010 6:44 PM PDT reply actions
The best moment was standing right under the tinted windows where the Clipper offices are
We were chanting and pointing our signs to them, “We want the King”!
Anyone watching the Lakers-Suns game
20 seconds on the clock suns down by 3. They get three 3 point shot attempts and nail it the third time to time the game.
Lakers have 3 seconds to win the game
by dulciusXasperis on May 27, 2010 8:40 PM PDT reply actions
ah f**k and suns don't rebound and Artest makes up for his mistakes all game with an offensive rebound to win the game
Damn :(
Nash was fifthly tonight. Nailing a ton of tough shots down the stretch….
Oh well game 6 in Phoenix.
by dulciusXasperis on May 27, 2010 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions
That was one hell of a game
Kobe has got bailed out twice now in these playoffs with a missed shot followed by a put back game winner.
What's more pathetic honestly is
The minute something goes wrong he’ll just inherently put the blame on someone else from his team even if they don’t deserve it.
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both. " - Benjamin Franklin
Heard you guys had a good turnout
a whole 75? I think you Clipper fans have exceeded all our expectations
Sarcasm?
Not sure but I think there were over 100 people. Not bad considering there was no official event, no involvement by the team and no celebrities to push it (I imagine if Jessica Alba was there we’d have 10 times the participation).
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on May 27, 2010 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I read somewhere it was 75
While I want to see Lebron sign with the Bulls…I cant stand the Lakers and I want to see the Clippers get their turn. Maybe you guys should go for Wade ;)
You guys should go for Wade..
We’ll take good care of Lebron.
;-)
"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.
by CLiPPz WeRD 12 on May 28, 2010 2:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Yay! That’s me in the gray shirt, black beanie, and sunglasses at the 0:40 mark.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
