The Elgin Baylor & Bob McAdoo Years
Bob McAdoo's San Diego tenure defined this pre-LA relocation era.
This period of franchise history is frequently misunderstood due to regional associations with Lakers legend Elgin Baylor, who played his entire career for the rival Los Angeles Lakers and never officially represented the Clippers organization as a player or coach. The core of this era actually centers on Bob McAdoo's tenure with the San Diego Clippers during the late 1970s, before the franchise relocated to Los Angeles in 1984.
- Key Player
- Bob McAdoo
- Franchise Name at Time
- San Diego Clippers
- Era Period
- Late 1970s (Pre-Relocation)
- Status
- Historical / San Diego Era
- Notable Fact
- McAdoo arrived via trade from the Nets
Lore & Background
The team operated as the San Diego Clippers during this window, playing at the San Diego Sports Arena. McAdoo's arrival was seen as an attempt to stabilize the roster and attract fans in Southern California prior to the eventual relocation to Los Angeles. However, he departed for Boston before the move to LA occurred.
In Their Own Story
The lights of the San Diego Sports Arena hummed overhead as Bob McAdoo dribbled at the top of the key. The crowd was smaller than in New York or Buffalo, but the expectation was high. He rose for a jumper, the leather squeaking against his palms, knowing this season would be his last before heading east again.
Reader's Guide
Bob McAdoo joined the team during the San Diego years, bringing star power to the roster in a small market environment. Ownership changed hands with Donald Sterling purchasing the club later, leading to the relocation to Los Angeles in 1984. This era marks the transition period between the Buffalo identity and the eventual establishment of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Did You Know?
- Elgin Baylor never played for or owned the Clippers franchise; he was a Lakers legend.
- Bob McAdoo won an NBA MVP award before joining the San Diego Clippers.
- The team moved from San Diego to Los Angeles in 1984, after McAdoo had already left.