Dec 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and guard James Harden (1) sit on the bench in the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul, and Bradley Beal Make Unexpected NBA History

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 3:06 PM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers were one of the biggest stories in the NBA last season, as they were able to win 50 games despite being projected to finish in the lottery by several media outlets. Not only were they boosted by an All-NBA season from James Harden, but got strong play from Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac as well.

However, their season came to an end after a seven-game series with the Denver Nuggets, proving that they still needed some more pieces to their roster to become legit contenders in the Western Conference. This offseason, they've done so, adding Brook Lopez, John Collins, Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul. However, this has led to them making unexpected NBA history.

The Clippers officially have the oldest team in NBA history

With an average age of 33.2 years old, the Clippers surpassed the 2000-2001 Utah Jazz for fielding the oldest team ever, according to Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine of Yahoo! Sports.

And how did the 00-01 Jazz do?… pic.twitter.com/jU3RqFZQ3N
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 30, 2025

According to Yahoo Sports' Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine , the Clippers are officially the oldest team in NBA history (33.2 average age) for the 2025-26 season (barring any drastic moves). They surpass the Utah Jazz from the 2000-01 season, led by John Stockton and Karl Malone.

That 2000-01 Jazz team went on to win 53 games that season, but lost in the first round of the postseason. While narratives around this team being old have continued to be pushed, it's not like these players are getting ready for retirement. Their two oldest players, Paul and Lopez, both played in 80 or more games last season.

Point God’s Back. pic.twitter.com/B9DWGev2FP
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 30, 2025

Luckily for Ty Lue and the Clippers, they have plenty of capable rotation pieces on this team to allow for the older players to rest when needed. While the Clippers improved big time this offseason, they'll still have to face a tough Western Conference featuring improved Denver and Houston teams.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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