The LA Clippers unveiled their new mascot Monday night: introducing “Chuck the Condor”.
Team owner Steve Ballmer was so excited about this creature’s arrival, that he jumped off a trampoline for a two-handed jam.
Welcome @ChuckTheCondor to Clipper Nation!https://t.co/j4tAxfoOit #HiChuckhttps://t.co/Bv1gm53J0t
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 1, 2016
Chuck dunked. Steve dunked.
Everyone is going home with a fresh new pair of Chucks. #HiChuckhttps://t.co/KTvpICGyvM— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 1, 2016
The previous Clipper mascot was known as Sam Dunk (get it?). He was derided for looking like Mr. Potato Head and booed upon introduction.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) March 1, 2016
The Clips held off the visiting Brooklyn Nets 105-95.
Per the LA Times:
“We do what Chuck tells us to do,” Ballmer told fans at Staples Center, promising free Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers to everyone in attendance if he was successful. “I’ll try.” […] Ballmer raced toward the trampoline, leaped and dunked with two hands, pumping his arms in celebration and earning a tight embrace from Chuck. Fans left with vouchers good for the free shoes.
The unveiling of the mascot was part of the Clippers’ continued rebranding efforts. Chuck descended from the rafters via wires as spotlights sliced the darkened arena and the theme from “2001: A Space Odyssey” played. […] “I sort of wanted to sneak it out here to you tonight,” Ballmer told fans.
Chuck represents the California condor, the largest North American land bird with a 9-foot-8 wingspan that dwarfs even that of Clippers center DeAndre Jordan. The real-life species can fly at speeds of 56 mph and travel more than 160 miles in a single flight. It remains critically endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
