5 New Nickname Options for the Los Angeles Clippers

Over the course of the Los Angeles Clippers' history, the team has been given many nicknames—some of them mocked owner Donald Sterling, while others mocked the history and sloppy play of the franchise.

However, like all things in sports, the bad becomes good at some point in time.  The additions of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul led to a transition not only in the Clippers' play, but also in the culture in the organization. 

The team became flashy, athletic and young.  They immediately earned the nickname Lob City, for good reason.  Chris Paul provided the lobs and Griffin and DeAndre Jordan finished with ferocity.

While the Lob City label is unlikely to fade anytime soon, it is always fun to take a broader look at the roster to see if any new nicknames arise from season to season.  This season, five new nicknames stood out.

Feel free to comment on them and to include your own!

"CP-Griffins"

There is no question Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are the building blocks of the Clippers franchise.  Two of the best players at their positions, and in Paul’s case, one of the best point guards ever, have transformed a once-maligned organization into a league favorite.

The pick-and-roll combination the two form is as deadly as there is in the NBA.

Paul’s uncanny vision and ability to control an offense like a maestro is second to none in the league.  Thanks to Paul’s talents, he makes players on his team better.  Look no further than the New Orleans Hornets, who were Western Conference contenders with him and a lottery team without.

Griffin’s pure athleticism is absolutely amazing to watch.  Moreover, it allows Blake to overcome some of the faults in his game.  His jumper and post game still need to be worked on, but thanks to his athletic ability and good handles, Griffin can attack the basket at will.

Meanwhile, on the defensive end, Griffin is an absolute monster on the glass, which has allowed him to average over ten rebounds per game for his career.

The franchise is in good hands for the foreseeable future with Griffin locked up long-term, but it will not be a title contender without Chris Paul.  Should Paul leave in free agency, the Clippers will take a step back.

But the odds of him staying are strong.  For now, the Clippers are contenders out West thanks to CP3 and Blake.

"Flop City"

The Clippers were targeted, sometimes fairly, and by others unfairly, as one of the top flopping teams in the league.  Multiple players were definitely guilty of flopping numerous times last season, which led to some unfavorable calls from the referees down the stretch.

There were three main culprits: Blake Griffin, Reggie Evans and Chris Paul. 

Evans has since been signed and traded to the Brooklyn Nets, which takes one of the peskiest and effective big man defenders in the league off the Clippers roster.

Paul was not necessarily known for flopping throughout his career, but as a seasoned veteran, CP3 is very good at creating contact and getting to the line.  Much like Sam Cassell, Paul throttles his acceleration during drives, forcing defenders behind him to either jump out of the way or run into him.

Griffin, on the other hand, definitely sold his fair share of flops and dives throughout the season.

While the new rules on flopping will limit that, Griffin needs to alter his attitude towards the refs.  Too many times he was beat down the floor for an easy transition basket because he was complaining to the refs.  Griffin is going to sell calls to the referees due to his brute strength which allows him to fight through contact that other players would be unable to.

However, the complaining needs to be limited this season, because defense will be a key to the team's success.

"Trampolines"

There are not many teams in the league that can boast the type of high-flying athleticism the Clippers have.  While the nickname Lob City is fitting, it does not exactly display the type of athleticism on the roster.

Obviously, Blake Griffin is the ringleader, thanks to his high-flying, powerful dunks.  Seemingly every time Griffin takes off for a dunk, it is highlight reel-worthy.  His speed and explosive leaping ability allow him to dunk nearly anything within eight feet of the basket.

DeAndre Jordan is another amazing athlete for a big man.  Like Griffin, anything near the rim is bound to be caught and slammed.  Additionally, Jordan seems to have a knack for trying to dunk everything and rarely takes a shot outside the paint. 

One of the stars of the playoffs was a young athletic freak of a point guard named Eric Bledsoe.  He came out of Kentucky known for his defense and athleticism and has made quite the impression during his first two years showing off those skills.

His long arms allow him to hound defenders inches taller than him.  A blur in the open court, much like Shannon Brown, if Bledsoe gets a full head of steam attacking the paint, he is bound to make an attempt at a thunderous dunk.

Finally, there are plenty of other solid athletes on the roster, such as Travis Leslie, but he rarely gets off the bench.  However, a new addition is ready to take flight with the young guys on the Clippers roster.  Matt Barnes was signed to back up both forward positions and undoubtedly can make aerial assaults on the rim.

"The Rehabilitees"

There have not been many teams that have suffered the amount of major injuries the Clippers have over the past few seasons.  The “Clipper Curse" seemingly struck year after year, and many hoped that would suddenly change when the team drafted a true franchise player in Blake Griffin.

However, the curse struck before the end of Griffin’s first preseason, as he broke his kneecap landing after a dunk. Clipper fans across California held their breath and tried not to roll their eyes, but immediately thought, "here we go again!"

Since then nearly every major piece the Clippers have acquired has gone down with an injury.  Surgeries to Chris Paul, Chauncy Billups, Eric Bledsoe, Caron Butler and Griffin again have disrupted the team’s continuity.

This surely cannot continue, can it?

In order for the Clippers to achieve their goals this season, the team has to first recover and become healthy and then stay healthy.

"Bench-a-Nators"

The Clippers bench was one of the major problems last season, finishing 26th in the league in bench scoring.  This year, the front office, along with Chris Paul, were able to recruit and sign quality players, giving the Clippers one of the deepest benches in the league. 

Jamal Crawford and Willie Green were brought in to solidify the backcourt and provide shot creation and shooting, respectively.  Chauncy Billups re-signed to a one-year contract and provides leadership and shooting.

Lamar Odom and Grant Hill will play major roles in the frontcourt, thanks to their versatility and defense.  Matt Barnes brings his much needed defensive ability and overall hustle and should see time at both forward positions.

Finally, Ryan Hollins and Ronny Turiaf will split time backing up incumbent center DeAndre Jordan.

The Clipper bench should be majorly improved, mainly because it could not perform much worse.  Depth will be a key for the team, especially considering the amount of players recovering from offseason surgeries.