Comments on: Randy Smith: Athlete Turned Baller

By: Shawn H.

Shawn H. — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:44:07 +0000

RIP to Randy Smith…besides the great Ralph Lawler, one of the few positives that our sorry franchise has. He should be honored by the team, and although he played the bulk of his career within the franchise as a Brave, he did finish his career as a Clipper (in San Diego)…one of the few that retired a Clipper. However, I think, unfortunately those idiots Sterling and Roeser won’t do anything to properly honor Mr. Smith. I remember an interview they did with him during our ’06 playoff run, and when he was asked if the team ever tried to reach out to him, he said “no”. I agree with Kevin that his #9 should be retired (I don’t think anyone on the current roster wears #9), and Bob McAdoo’s #11 should be there too.

If the Clippers should ever change uniforms, they should with a variation of those Buffalo baby-blues, I’ve always liked those jerseys.

By: MC

MC — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:04:17 +0000

We’ll miss you Mr. Smith.

Al Thornton really reminds me of Randy Smith… raw athleticism that just needs to be molded. We can hope.

By: Cpt1021

Cpt1021 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:42:30 +0000

It is about time the clippers retire a number as a tribute to someone. There are many teams that have retired jerseys in the rafters even after relocating. Who can be more deserving than Randy Smith?? On the plus side maybe the clippers will receive a bit more respect or credibility as a franchise by this. RIP RANDY SMITH

By: John

John — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:40:14 +0000

Thanks Kevin, Great post. I wasn’t alive during Smith’s era so he’s never been more than a name on a few lists to me…glad to get some background story.

By: michael

michael — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:52:43 +0000

I grew up in buffalo watching Smith develop into a star player. He truly accomplished what he did by working hard at it. You were able to see him develop all parts of his game until he became an all-star. Even after all these years, I have very vivid and fond memories of him. Very sad day for all former Braves fans.