yahoo
The Los Angeles Clippers are set to celebrate Japanese Heritage Day during their matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. PT. As part of the festivities, the team is offering a special ticket package that includes an exclusive baseball jersey designed by Japangeles, a popular streetwear brand based in LA.
"Gather your crew for a daytime celebration of Japanese heritage and Clippers basketball," the Clippers' promotional description reads. "With your special ticket purchase, you'll also receive an exclusive baseball jersey designed by Japangeles." This marks the third time the Clippers have held Japanese Heritage celebrations, having hosted the event twice last season.
Japanese Representation on the Roster
The NBA has seen only four Japanese-born players in its history, and the Clippers have had two of them on their roster since the end of last season. Rui Hachimura, signed to a two-year, $28 million deal in the offseason, has started all nine games for the team this year, averaging 13.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. The Clippers also had Yuki Kawamura in their ranks during the offseason, though he was waived just before the season began. Kawamura is currently playing in the G League with the San Diego Clippers and had eight points, three assists, and a steal in 12 minutes during his only appearance.
Season Struggles and Opportunities
The Clippers' premier offseason acquisition, Brandon Ingram, has yet to play for the team as he deals with an Achilles injury, and the team's performance has reflected that absence. They currently sit 13th in the Western Conference, ahead of only the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz, both of whom have just one win. Los Angeles is only 0.5 games behind the New Orleans Pelicans in 12th place and just four games out of eighth place, a deficit that is certainly surmountable this early in the season. With wins in their next two games—against the 4-8 Hornets on Sunday and the Jazz two days later—the Clippers could reinsert themselves into a competitive spot in the West.
Having won two of their last three games, the Clippers will look to carry some momentum into Sunday's game against the Hornets at 1:30 p.m. PT.
Originally reported by yahoo.