The Clippers’ frustrations as a franchise are perhaps best embodied by Bill Walton. While in San Diego, the team signed him to return to his hometown (he’s from the suburb of La Mesa) in 1979. Although Walton had led the Portland Trail Blazers to a championship in 1977, he missed the entire next season with an injury. The Clippers acquired him anyhow in 1979, but Walton reinjured his foot and only suited up for 14 games. He sat out the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons, His return never led the team to the promised land and in 1985 he was traded to the Boston Celtics. It worked out beautifully for the big redhead, who played in a career high 80 games coming off the bench to support Boston’s Big Three frontcourt of Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale. Walton wound up winning the NBA’s Sixth Man Award and another championship ring.
JOHN BAZEMORE/AP
