Editing Los Angeles Clippers (section)

===2000–2009: Further struggles at Staples Center===
The [[2000–01 NBA season|2000–01 season]] brought changes. [[Derek Strong]] was sent to the [[Orlando Magic]] in exchange for [[Corey Maggette]] and the draft rights to [[Keyon Dooling]]. The Clippers' two draft picks that year were childhood friends from Illinois: high schooler [[Darius Miles]] (3rd overall pick) and [[Quentin Richardson]] (18th overall pick). The team became popular among fans with its high-flying style of basketball and the Clippers did improve slightly, registering a 31–51 record. The team also lead the NBA in bench-scoring, with 37 points per game.

To improve upon the previous season, the Clippers acquired high-scoring and rebounding power forward [[Elton Brand]] from the [[Chicago Bulls]] in exchange for the draft rights to [[Tyson Chandler]]. Brand earned a spot on the 2002 NBA Western Conference All-Star team as an injury replacement for [[Shaquille O'Neal]]. The Clippers contended for most of the season, but won only 3 of the last 12 games and finished 39–43, five games out of the playoffs. In order to seriously challenge for playoff contention in 2003, the franchise traded Miles to the Cavaliers for [[Andre Miller]], who led the NBA in assists in [[2001–02 NBA season|2001–02]] with 11 per game. With a seasoned point guard in Miller, Lamar Odom at small forward, one of the league's best power forwards in Brand, and center Olowokandi, as well as having the best supporting cast in the league, the Clippers threatened a potential playoff run. However, poor team chemistry and injuries (the Clippers lost 293 man-games to injury), they finished with a disappointing 27–55 record. Coach [[Alvin Gentry]] was also replaced, with [[Dennis Johnson]] entering midway through the [[2002–03 NBA season|2002–03 season]].

After the dismal season prior, the team lost several of its core players, with Miller, Odom, Olowakandi, and forward [[Eric Piatkowski]] (who was one of the longest-tenured players in franchise history)<ref name="NBAcomClippersAlltimeStats">{{cite web|title=CLIPPERS: Clippers All-Time Statistical Leaders|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/history/Clippers_AllTime_Statistical_-52400-57.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|access-date=March 2, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321143941/http://www.nba.com/clippers/history/Clippers_AllTime_Statistical_-52400-57.html|archive-date=March 21, 2010}}</ref> departing via free agency prior to the [[2003–04 NBA season|2003–04 season]]. The team opted to retain Brand and Maggette with long-term contracts. They, along with Richardson, made up one of the NBA's best high-scoring trios, with a combined 58 points per game. With new head coach [[Mike Dunleavy, Sr.]], they finished 28–54, due to inexperience and injuries. The following season again saw the team missing the playoffs, although, they posted a [[2004–05 Los Angeles Clippers season|better record]] than the Lakers for the first time since 1993. [[Bobby Simmons]], a former second-round pick, won the 2004–05 NBA Most Improved Player award after averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. As a result, Simmons signed a 5-year, $47&nbsp;million deal with the [[Milwaukee Bucks]]. To counter Simmons' defection, the Clippers announced they would sign [[Cuttino Mobley]]. Mobley's contract was identical in length, but for five million less than Simmons', and marked the first significant free-agent signing from outside the organization since Walton in the late 1970s. The Clippers also completed the building of a [[Los Angeles Clippers Training Center|practice facility]] (the first NBA practice facility within the four corners of the City of Los Angeles) in the [[Playa Vista]] development.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Training Center Press Conference Transcript|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/trainingcenter_pc_050707.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|date=July 7, 2005|access-date=August 2, 2018|archive-date=June 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622170453/https://www.nba.com/clippers/news/trainingcenter_pc_050707.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Midway through the season, the Clippers traded [[Marko Jarić]] (in a sign and trade transaction) and [[Lionel Chalmers]] to the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] in exchange for [[Sam Cassell]] and a lottery-protected first round pick in the [[2006 NBA draft]].

The [[2005–06 Los Angeles Clippers season|2005–06 season]] was a turning point for the team's image; marked by several wins over top teams, Brand's performances were greatly praised, and he was chosen for the [[2006 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Game]]. Many sports writers noted the team's improvement, especially after acquiring sharpshooter [[Vladimir Radmanović]] from the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] in exchange for big-man [[Chris Wilcox]].{{citation needed|date = December 2010}} While the team had a few stretches of poor play, they were able to maintain a solid record, including posting several winning streaks. They achieved their first winning record in 14 seasons, and clinched their first playoff spot since 1997. They also finished with a better record than the Lakers for the second straight year. By finishing sixth in the [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]], with a record of 47–35 (their highest finish since the team left [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]]), they benefited from the current [[NBA playoffs|NBA playoff format]] of regular-season records taking precedence over winning the division, and secured [[home court advantage]] over the [[Denver Nuggets]].

On April 22, 2006, the Clippers won their first NBA playoff game in 13 years. Two days later, they won their second playoff game, going 2–0 against an opponent for the first time in franchise history. They lost Game 3, won Game 4, and on May 1, they won Game 5 in Los Angeles. This would mark their first playoff series win since they moved from Buffalo. In the next round, the team faced the [[Phoenix Suns]]. After losing a close Game 1, they won Game 2, 122–97. The series shifted to Staples Center for Game 3, but the Suns won, 94–91. In Game 4, Brand posted 30 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists as the Clippers evened the series. In Game 5, [[Raja Bell]] made a key 3-pointer for the Suns with 1.1 seconds left in the first overtime to send the game into a second overtime. However, Phoenix won in double-overtime, 125–118. They bounced back with a series-saving 118–106 Game 6 win. Second-year defensive specialist [[Quinton Ross]] had a timely offensive game, scoring a then career-high 18 points. Brand had 30 points (his scoring average in this series), 12 rebounds, and five blocks. [[Corey Maggette]] came off the bench to score 25 points, with 7–8 shooting from the field, and 9–9 from the free-throw line. Kaman and Cassell each scored 15 points. However, the Clippers lost the seventh game, 127–107. General Manager (and [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] member) [[Elgin Baylor]] won the [[NBA Executive of the Year]] award for leading the Clippers' playoff run.

The [[2006–07 NBA season|2006 off-season]] started as the team drafted [[Paul Davis (basketball)|Paul Davis]] in the second round of the [[2006 NBA draft]], as the 34th overall pick. The pick was acquired by the Clippers by way of a 2004 trade for [[Melvin Ely]]. The team also drafted [[Guillermo Diaz (basketball player)|Guillermo Diaz]] as the 52nd overall pick. While Davis signed with the team, Diaz decided to play overseas. However, the team still holds his draft rights. Meanwhile, in free agency, they signed [[Tim Thomas (basketball)|Tim Thomas]] away from divisional Phoenix, in a four-year, $24&nbsp;million deal. That was to counter the defection of [[Vladimir Radmanović]] to the Lakers in a similar deal. Radmanovic's contract lasted another year, but both players would make the same amount of money annually, which would be $6&nbsp;million. Cassell (widely credited as the biggest reason for the Clippers' recent success) re-signed on a two-year, $13&nbsp;million deal, while the team also signed veteran [[Aaron Williams (basketball)|Aaron Williams]] to an undisclosed deal.

In September, the Clippers also announced a radio broadcast deal with [[KSPN (AM)|KSPN-AM]], the local [[ESPN Radio]]-operated outlet. Despite several additions, the team did not perform to expectations, with a lack of team chemistry and injuries to several key players, including Cassell, Thomas, and Kaman, forcing the team to sign journeymen [[Luke Jackson (basketball, born 1981)|Luke Jackson]], [[Alvin Williams]], and [[Doug Christie]] to help solidify the team's bench. The season disappointment extended as [[Shaun Livingston]] suffered a dislocated left knee in which he tore every ligament in his knee. This was one of the most devastating injuries that season, and considered one of the worst in league history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Livingston Injury Report|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/livingston_injury_report_070226.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|date=February 26, 2007|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=June 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627202016/http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/livingston_injury_report_070226.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The extent of the injury was so severe, local news outlets such as [[KCBS-TV]]/[[KCAL-TV]] and [[KNBC-TV]] elected not to air the clip of the injury. According to the team's lead physician, Dr. Tony Daly, Livingston's prognosis for him to return to basketball activity was eight months (which was around the first week of the [[2007–08 NBA season|upcoming season]]) to a full calendar year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shaun Livingston Injury Update|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/livingston_update_070227.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|date=February 27, 2007|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=May 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510143811/http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/livingston_update_070227.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Clippers finished the season 40–42, two games behind the eighth-seed, while the Lakers finished with a better record for the first time since the [[2003–04 NBA season|2003–04 season]]. The Clippers received the 14th draft pick from the NBA lottery in the 2007 NBA Draft, selecting [[Al Thornton]].

The [[2007–08 NBA season|2007–08 season]] started off negatively, with Brand rupturing his left Achilles tendon. Brand missed most of the season, and the team struggled to stay competitive. [[Chris Kaman]] took advantage of a depleted roster by averaging 15.7 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, but was limited to playing 56 games, also due to various injuries. The Clippers ended the season 23–59, and the team aimed to rebuild for the [[2008–09 NBA season|following season]]. Both Brand and Maggette were allowed to depart, while ten players were acquired. Brand stated his desire to stay, but the contract faltered, allowing him to move to the [[Philadelphia 76ers]]. [[Baron Davis]], a Los Angeles native and formerly of the [[Golden State Warriors]], signed a five-year contract with the Clippers, worth an estimated $65&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3470016|title=Davis verbally agrees to go to Clippers, leave Warriors|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=July 1, 2008|access-date=July 2, 2008|archive-date=January 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110024834/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3470016|url-status=live}}</ref> In the upcoming draft, the Clippers obtained the seventh pick, and selected [[Eric Gordon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Clippers Sign Eric Gordon|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/gordon_080702.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|date=July 2, 2008|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=March 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307222441/http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/gordon_080702.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They also selected [[DeAndre Jordan]], who was picked 35th overall. [[Mike Taylor (basketball player)|Mike Taylor]], the 55th overall pick, was acquired from the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] in exchange for a future second-round pick.

In July 2008, they acquired [[Marcus Camby]] from the [[Denver Nuggets]] in return for a $10&nbsp;million trade exception and the choice to exchange second round picks with the Clippers in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clippers Acquire Marcus Camby|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/camby_080715.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|date=July 15, 2008|access-date=March 3, 2010|archive-date=March 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310015452/http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/camby_080715.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Clippers also acquired guard [[Jason Hart (basketball)|Jason Hart]] from the Utah Jazz, in exchange for guard [[Brevin Knight]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Clippers Acquire Jason Hart From Utah Jazz|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/jhart_080723.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|date=July 23, 2008|access-date=March 3, 2010|archive-date=March 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310015401/http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/jhart_080723.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and signed [[Ricky Davis]] to a one-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clippers Sign Free Agent Ricky Davis|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/rdavis_080728.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|date=July 28, 2008|access-date=March 3, 2010|archive-date=March 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316032822/https://www.nba.com/clippers/news/rdavis_080728.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They continued an active off-season by re-signing former Clippers player [[Brian Skinner]] in July, while trading for [[Steve Novak]]. The team would also sign [[Jason Williams (basketball, born 1975)|Jason Williams]] to a one-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clippers Sign Free Agent Guard Jason Williams|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/jwilliams_080807.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clipers.com|date=August 7, 2008|access-date=March 3, 2010|archive-date=March 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310015205/http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/jwilliams_080807.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, just prior to the start of training camp in September, Williams announced his retirement. Other mid-season acquisitions came in the form of [[Zach Randolph]] and [[Mardy Collins]], who arrived from the [[New York Knicks]] in exchange for Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clippers Acquire Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins From Knicks|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/zrandolph_collins_081121.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|date=November 21, 2008|access-date=March 3, 2010|archive-date=February 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216181758/http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/zrandolph_collins_081121.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This trade made Kaman the sole member still on the team from their playoff run two years prior.

In October 2008, Baylor ended his 22-year reign as vice president and general manager of basketball operations. It remains one of the longest tenures in professional sports history. The Clippers indicated that Baylor had retired from his post,<ref>{{cite news|title=Clippers Add General Manager Role To Head Coach Mike Dunleavy's Duties|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/dunleavy_olshey_081007.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Clippers.com|date=October 7, 2008|access-date=March 3, 2010|archive-date=March 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310015306/http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/dunleavy_olshey_081007.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and as a result, head coach [[Mike Dunleavy, Sr.]] assumed the role of General Manager, while director of player personnel [[Neil Olshey]] was promoted to assistant general manager.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dillman|first=Lisa|title=A power forward no longer|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers8-2008oct08,0,5332501.story|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 8, 2008|access-date=March 3, 2010|archive-date=December 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201010539/http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers8-2008oct08,0,5332501.story|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dillman|first=Lisa|title=Elgin Baylor retires as Clippers GM; Dunleavy takes over|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2008/10/elgin-gone.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 7, 2008|access-date=March 3, 2010|archive-date=January 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116223835/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2008/10/elgin-gone.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Art Thompson III|title=Clippers: Baylor is out, and Dunleavy will be GM/coach|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/elgin-baylor-la-2183424-clippers-la|work=[[Orange County Register]]|date=October 7, 2008|access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208134317/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/elgin-baylor-la-2183424-clippers-la|archive-date=December 8, 2008}}</ref> However, several other reports indicated Baylor had been fired or resigned, and when questioned, Baylor responded he had been advised by his attorneys not to comment on the matter.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers9-2008oct09,0,6118935.story?track=rss |title=Baylor's attorney exploring options&nbsp;– |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 9, 2008 |access-date=March 3, 2010 |first=Lisa |last=Dillman |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210115111/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-oct-09-sp-clippers9-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This prompted speculation that the team and Baylor were in negotiations to work out a settlement agreement for his departure, with Baylor reportedly working without a formal contract since the early 1990s.

The 2008–09 season ended with the team 14th in the Western Conference, with a record of 19–63.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/standings |title=2009–10 NBA Regular Season Divisional Standings&nbsp;– National Basketball Association&nbsp;– ESPN |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 3, 2010 |archive-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319184734/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings |url-status=live }}</ref> They were then awarded the first overall pick in the [[2009 NBA draft]].