tmz
Matt Barnes is convinced that the Los Angeles Clippers are plagued by a curse, and he believes a complete rebranding would be a game-changer for the NBA organization. The ex-NBA forward made his feelings known while attending the 6th Annual Celebrity Softball Charity Game, hosted by former MLB player Brandon Watson.
Barnes, who was joined by celebrities such as Meagan Good, Jonathan Majors, Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Paul Pierce, Amber Rose, and Terence Crawford, didn't hold back when discussing the team's misfortunes. He asserted that the Clippers' curse is very much real and that a name change is necessary to turn their luck around.
In fact, Barnes claims he personally urged Steve Ballmer to change the team's name when Ballmer purchased the franchise from Donald and Shelly Sterling in 2014. The Sterlings were forced to sell after Donald Sterling made racist remarks about NBA legend Magic Johnson in an audio recording that was made public.
Barnes believes that adopting a new name would help cleanse the franchise of its negative stigma. However, any rebranding efforts would have to wait, as Ballmer is currently serving a one-year ban from all league and team activities and has been fined $30 million due to the Kawhi Leonard scandal. Additionally, the team has forfeited five first-round draft picks.
On the court, the Clippers are dealing with injury issues, with Brandon Ingram, Max Strus, and Bradley Beal expected to miss the start of the upcoming season. Historically, the franchise was known as the Buffalo Braves before relocating to the West Coast, but it remains uncertain whether Barnes advocates for a return to the Braves name or an entirely new identity.
Barnes also shared his perspective on the practice of holding children back a year in school to give them an athletic advantage, explaining why he is considering it for his own sons. Ultimately, he feels it's time to retire the Clippers nickname if the team ever hopes to achieve success.
Barnes was participating in the charity event for a worthy cause: the celebrity softball game benefits The RightWay Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping foster children thrive.
Key Analysis
Matt Barnes' comments highlight the enduring perception of the Clippers as a cursed franchise, despite recent successes. His suggestion to change the team name reflects a belief that a fresh identity could break the cycle of misfortune. With Ballmer temporarily sidelined and the team facing injuries, the Clippers' challenges extend beyond the court. Whether a rebrand would actually alter their fate remains speculative, but Barnes' stance underscores the psychological impact of the team's history.
Originally reported by tmz.