National Basketball Association

LA Clippers are embracing the role of the anti-hero

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The LA Clippers are the most hated team in the NBA, and they’re ready to accept that this season and embrace the role of anti-hero. So far, it’s working.

October 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Clippers have played six games so far this season, starting 5-1. And already, a few things have become clear. The revamped bench looks fantastic. Austin Rivers‘ first step has left defenders eating his dust, and Marreese Speights and Raymond Felton have already become key pieces off the pine. The starters have struggled at times. But, when they get it right, they look almost unstoppable (like the first half of their 116-92 win against the San Antonio Spurs).

There also seems to be a new attitude this year. After the Clippers’ first game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Chris Paul had some very interesting things to say in his post-game interview with David Aldridge (via NBA.com). When asked about the physical nature of the game, Paul said, “we know we are not one of the most liked teams in the league, and we talked about embracing it. Seriously.”

Now, these were the first things CP3 said coming off the floor after an intense season opener. But it’s indicative of the team’s new outlook this season. They’re playing extremely physical, some might even call it bully ball, and doing it unapologetically.

In a strong start while they’ve found other ways to win as their offense has struggled (mostly until the Spurs game), the Clippers have moved up to 11th in rebounding (25th last season) and lead the league in defensive rating.

Blake Griffin has banged hard this season and it’s all business. He’s complaining to the refs less, and playing with a level of physicality that few in the league can match.

As Paul said to David Aldridge, “enough is enough, you got to play ball.”

The Clippers have looked strong to start the season, embracing the roll of villain, or as I see it… Anti-hero.

Let’s begin by looking at Paul and how he possesses similar characteristics to comic book anti-hero Wolverine.

Nov 4, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reacts to a call during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul’s adamantium edge

Whenever I watch Chris Paul play, he reminds me so much of Wolverine. The little guy with the chip on his shoulder, slicing the giants of the world to ribbons. He fights with a strength and passion that few in the NBA possess.

Wolverine is one of the great anti-heroes of the comic book world. While his cause is almost always noble, he has been known to fight dirty, willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals.

Paul has been accused, by some, of employing similarly questionable tactics. He’s one of the most skilled players in the league, and one of its smartest as well. He’s willing, and able, to exploit the rules of the game to his advantage at times.

This has rubbed some opposing fan bases the wrong way, but Chris has chosen to embrace that this year. He’s the LA Clippers’ grizzled, battle tested leader, and he knows all the tricks. He’ll look to use every tool in his arsenal this year as the Clippers hope to make a deep playoff run.

Nov 12, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) reacts on the court during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Griffin’s cold, calculated approach

Blake Griffin’s approach this season has been cold and calculated. It has to be. He lives in the trenches, where physical play can make even the most stoic of players demonstrative. I’ve always marveled at how linemen in the NFL, and big men in the NBA, can engage in such intense physical interactions without constantly losing it emotionally.

Griffin has always been one of the most physical players in the NBA, but this season it seems to be all business for him, from his minimal time off in the summer to his aggressive rebounding (9.7 per game) over the first six games.

It reminds me a lot of Dexter Morgan. Dexter (from the show of the same name) deals with the most gruesome aspects of humanity, and remains completely emotionally indifferent. He’s cold, well trained, and does the dirty work that needs to be done.

Much like Dexter’s “dark passenger” drives him forward, Blake’s hunger after a season lost should propel him to new heights.

He looks insatiable this season. And I love his new, cold, all business approach.

Nov 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Marreese Speights (5) reacts after making a three-point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Marreese Speights’ fiery origins

Hellboy was rescued from a Nazi camp, and then unleashed upon the very evil that summoned his unholy powers from hell. Much like Marreese Speights will be unleashed by the LA Clippers this season.

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Speights has already become a key piece for the Clippers off the bench. His solid rebounding (10.2 per 36 minutes), three-point range, and smooth shooting have made him a fan favorite. His wickedly charming grin doesn’t hurt much either. The bench play has been the biggest and best surprise from the Clippers to start this season, and Mo’ Buckets has a lot to do with that.

In past years, the Clippers starters have logged heavy minutes during the regular season. The lack of depth being the main culprit. But this season, Doc has a bench unit that he really trusts. He can rely on them to limit the load on his stars, keeping them fresh for the postseason.

The Clippers are playing with an edge this year. “There’s urgency every day we step on the court” Paul said to Aldridge. They have embraced the roll of anti-heroes, and I love it. This is the type of take-no-prisoners, unapologetic approach I’ve been hoping to see from the Clippers for years.

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This new attitude, coupled with their impressive depth, should take the LA Clippers to new heights. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish this season.

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