text: where did the clippers get their name? what is a clipper?   the los angeles clippers first came into existence as the buffalo braves in 1970. the braves were one of three expansion franchises to join the nba that year (the portland trail blazers and the cleveland cavaliers were the other two), as the league dueled with the upstart american basketball association for prominence. after struggling through their first few campaigns, the braves soon found playoff success under the coaching of the legendary dr. jack ramsay and high scoring bob mcadoo. unfortunately, drastic changes in the organization's ownership during the 1976-77 season threw the team into a tailspin, resulting in back-to-back losing seasons.   following a proposal by then-nba attorney david stern, the braves were allowed to leave buffalo after the 1977-78 season for san diego. the deal was a complicated one, as buffalo braves owner john y. brown traded places with boston celtics owner irv levin. levin, a california businessman, was unhappy in boston and relished the opportunity to own a team in his home state. levin immediately renamed the club the clippers due to san diego's bustling harbor and seaside locale.   clip·per    ( p )  pronunciation key  (klpr) n.  1) one that cuts, shears, or clips.  2) an instrument or tool for cutting, clipping, or shearing. often used in the plural: nail clippers.  ----> this one applies: 3) nautical. a sharp-bowed sailing vessel of the mid-19th century, having tall masts and sharp lines and built for great speed.  4) one that moves very fast.