2004-05

The 2004-05 season began with many new faces in Clippers uniforms. Only six players remained from the previous season, as Los Angeles overhauled the roster with savvy veteran additions. The new-look paid off as Mike Dunleavy's squad posted a nine-game improvement from 2003-04 and finished with their best home record (27-14) in twelve seasons. Most notably, they found success despite racking up a combined 271 games lost due to injury--the 8th highest total in the league--thanks in part to reserves such as Rick Brunson, Zeljko Rebraca, Quinton Ross and Mikki Moore stepping up when LA needed a boost. Forward Elton Brand continued to be a dominant force in the West, as he once again finished among the league leaders in offensive rebounds, total rebounds, blocks, double-doubles and efficiency rating. Corey Maggette and Bobby Simmons had career years, as both turned in their highest season scoring, rebounding, assist averages to date. For Maggette, it marked his sixth straight season of statistical improvement in virtually every category, while Simmons' meteoric rise resulted in the 2005 NBA Most Improved Award and recognition as a lethal scoring threat from the perimeter. Another bright spot was the play of rookie Shaun Livingston. Selected with the 4th overall pick in the 2004 Draft, Livingston dazzled fans with skills far more advanced than his age and a natural propensity to lead. Despite missing a lion's share of his rookie campaign (52 games) due to injury, he still managed to garner the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for April while drawing comparisons to stellar floor generals from the past.