Tall Tales and Short Shorts: Adam Criblez Talks the NBA 70’s in New Book

A really cool look at NBA history.

By Lucas Hann@LucasJHann Oct 31, 2017, 11:00am PDT

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Norm Nixon... — I know that Norm played for the Clippers in the 80’s, okay? Pictures from decades ago are hard to come by.

In his book “Tall Tales and Short Shorts: Dr. J, Pistol Pete, and the Birth of the Modern NBA,” Dr. Adam Criblez of Southeast Missouri State University details the evolution of the NBA into a cultural phenomenon during the 1970’s, a crucial decade for the growth of the league.

His book views the league with a wide lens, addressing every franchise, but he takes a few close looks at Clippers history, including their move from Buffalo to San Diego in 1978. Here’s a short excerpt on Clippers history, provided to us by Adam:

The newly christened San Diego Clippers (formerly the Buffalo Braves) arrived in California with high hopes and a completely reshuffled roster. The new-look Clippers relied on the scoring prowess of guard Lloyd “All World” Free, acquired for a future first-round pick from Philadelphia. “That is nothing,” Coach Gene Shue said of the trade. “Lloyd is one of the most talented players in the league, and they just gave him away.” In “giving away” Free, the Sixers landed a pick that ended up as the fourth overall selection in the loaded 1984 draft. For Lloyd Free, a high-scoring, enigmatic guard, the Sixers netted Auburn’s “Round Mound of Rebound” Charles Barkley. Typical Clippers. But in ’78-79, Barkley was a short, fat high schooler and Free was an offensive force. All-World averaged 28.8 ppg, second in the league behind only Gervin from San Antonio. “Nobody can guard me,” Free said, “I tried to guard myself once, but I couldn’t do it. I’m unstoppable.” Free also recognized the power of promotion. “People talk about winning,” Free said, “but it’s not really about winning. Times have changed. Today it’s a show. People want to see that razzle-dazzle – guys taking crazy shots and hitting them.”
Garnering fan interest was equally as important as winning games, at least in Free’s mind. “You have to have some jazz in the game, ‘cause if you don’t,” Free warned, “people won’t come out.”
Despite Free’s razzle-dazzle, the Clippers finished near the bottom of the league in attendance. Looking forward, the Clippers knew they needed a dominant center. Fortunately, soon after the season ended, one became available; an oft-injured, but undeniably talented, big man would seek a change of scenery from the Pacific Northwest to sunny California, shaking up the basketball world.

Dr. Adam Criblez’s “Tall Tales and Short Shorts: Dr. J, Pistol Pete, and the Birth of the Modern NBA” is available now on Amazon.

Tall Tales and Short Shorts: Adam Criblez Talks the NBA 70’s in New Book

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