LA Clippers: New Look, Next Era, New City?

The Los Angeles Clippers officially unveiled their new logo on Wednesday. As I scoured social media I noticed it has been received with mixed reactions; mainly negative. By now you’ve probably seen all the memes about the new logo. From the logo resembling the Tetris or Pac Man video game to looking like a toddler doodling on a piece of paper. Personally I don’t care much for it, as I’d rather see the actual team win something of significance first.

The New Look Next Era campaign paired with the new logo shows Clippers’ Owner Steve Baller trying to distance the franchise as far away from the whole Donald Sterling debacle. Ballmer is eager to change the culture and is pulling out all the stops to ensure this happens. People can hate the logo but they have to appreciate the movement.

Unfortunately with all their success they still can’t remove themselves away from the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are embedded in the city’s culture and will forever be entrenched in the hearts of the fan base. Could that change? Perhaps, but I don’t see that happening any time soon.

I got to thinking, why doesn’t Ballmer elect to move the Clippers to Seattle? The Next Era for Clipper Nation can begin in a new city. The team is going to be good for a while and the franchise has shown aggressiveness towards improving the team. The Clippers recently acquired 24-year-old Lance Stephenson in exchange for Matt Barnes and last season’s free agent signing Spencer Hawes. In 2013 they swapped Eric Bledsoe for J.J. Redick and before that, they traded for Chris Paul in 2011. Look for them to continue to add quality this offseason.

Since then, the Clippers have been in the playoffs in consecutive seasons. To their dismay, they’ve been bounced out of the big dance early. Given their long history of failure, the team is building something special. The city of Seattle was robbed of their Sonics in 2008 (now Oklahoma City Thunder) and I think that fan base is ready for a new team.

Seattle is known to have a loud and ruckus fan base. We see the impact the 12^th man has for the Seahawks and how full of excitement the Sounders’ legion is during their soccer matches. They actually draw similar comparisons to Ballmer. The Clipper owner’s infectious celebrations and attitude ignite the crowd. The Clippers could use that extra boost of energy at their home games. Imagine Seattle fans getting behind Lob City.

Earlier in the season Blake Griffin didn’t feel the love from the home crowd. He criticized them after the Clippers had lost to the Golden State Warriors. LA’s All-Star said of the crowd,

"“Home-court advantage is just not there for us,” Griffin continues, “If that’s what it feels like in the playoffs, it’s not looking good.”"

DeAndre Jordan echoed that sentiment in a home loss to the Chicago Bulls. DJ said the loss to Chicago felt like a “road” game.

Even when the Clippers take on their hallway rivals, they seem to be surrounded by a sea of purple and gold. Despite the Clips hammering the Lakers, they still can’t sway fans on their side. They need to relocate to Seattle (or another city) to escape the shadows of the Lakers.

"“It’s kind of when we play the Lakers – I don’t know maybe worse. It’s one of those things where it would be great if it wasn’t like that.”"

It’s comical that the Clippers decided to cover up the Lakers’ championship banners with “selfies” during their home games. I understand why they did it but even the organization doesn’t feel at home. Let’s be honest, how many Clipper fans truly exist? Since Chris Paul’s arrival in 2011, they averaged over 18K fans at Staples Center. Before CP3, about 15-16K attended Clipper games. Clipper fandom is increasing each year and I think the Clippers would benefit from a move.

It would be tough to leave the second largest market in the U.S. but it’s not like Seattle is a bottom feeder. As of March 15, 2015, Seattle is a top-14 media market. They would be inheriting an NBA playoff-caliber team with three of their stars in their primes depending on how long the process would take. They would be able to play at the Key Arena temporarily where the Seattle Storm play. Also the Clippers are up for a new TV deal after the 2015-16 season. Their success could translate to a hefty television contract.

Ballmer was part of the Seattle-based group with Chris Hansen leading the charge to bring an NBA franchise back to the Emerald City. Hansen’s group failed to purchase the Sacramento Kings. Rumors surfaced after Ballmer bought the Clippers for $2 Billion that he would relocate them to Seattle. Ballmer emphatically denied his desire to move the team.

In 2015, the environmental review for the new proposed Seattle arena was cleared paving the way for its construction, but there was no team to move. I wonder if those talks can be resurrected again for the Clippers moving to Seattle. With Ballmer’s Microsoft background I can’t imagine all the high-tech gizmos that would be in that arena. The NHL is considering expanding as well, and Seattle is on their wish list. I’m sure both franchises could be accommodated. A new proposal would have to be re-written and that’s where it gets tricky.

If relocation did happen, it would absolutely suck for LA fans that have followed the team since their migration from San Diego via Buffalo. Fear not Clipper fans, as I’m sure it would be a difficult move to pull off with a lot of red tape and politics involved. I’m curious if Clipper Nation would welcome a move. Would they still support the Clips?

Los Angeles is big enough to support two NBA teams. LA already has two MLB (Dodgers, Angels), two NHL (Kings, Ducks), WNBA (Sparks), NCAA (UCLA, USC) and MLS (Galaxy) with another soccer team coming in 2017 (LAFC). Pretty soon they may add two or three NFL teams. By the way, don’t give me the technicality between Anaheim and Los Angeles. They’re practically minutes away, depending on the freeway and time of day.

Before you start leaving me angry comments, think about it. Doesn’t it make sense for a team with a bright future to have their own arena? To play freely without having to worry about the other franchise’s past success? Have the Clippers not earned that right? They don’t necessarily have to leave California. Their owner is worth $20 billion! He could fund his own stadium if he wanted to. Wouldn’t a new home for the Clippers give more credence to New Look Next Era?

Next: Clippers' Jamal Crawford Next To Be Moved?