1998–99 Los Angeles Clippers season
Player Left New team
James Collins free agency , July 1 LaCrosse Bobcats ( CBA )
Isaac Austin free agency , January 21 Orlando Magic
Loy Vaught free agency , January 22 Detroit Pistons
Scott Brooks waived , February 19 Los Angeles Stars ( ABA )
James Robinson waived , March 18 Minnesota Timberwolves
The 1998-99 NBA season was the Clippers' 29th season in the National Basketball Association, and their 15th season in Los Angeles. This was also the final season where the team plays at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The Clippers won the Draft Lottery selecting Michael Olowokandi with the first overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft, and signed free agents Sherman Douglas, second-year guard Troy Hudson, and undrafted rookie Tyrone Nesby. However, the Clippers still struggled under new head coach Chris Ford, losing their first 17 games of the season, tying the 1988-89 Miami Heat for the then-worst start in NBA history. The team lost 30 of their first 33 games, and finished the lockout shortened season last place in the Pacific Division with a 9-41 record. Second-year star Maurice Taylor led the team in scoring with 16.8 points per game. Following the season, Lamond Murray was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rodney Rogers signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Suns, Lorenzen Wright was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks, Douglas re-signed with the New Jersey Nets, Darrick Martin signed with the Sacramento Kings and Pooh Richardson retired.