The accuracy of documentaries, especially docuseries, which often get a Hollywood treatment and veer towards dramatization, has been a point of contention.
This is especially true with FX’s Clipped, which explores the downfall of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. The series raises questions about what truly happened versus creative liberties taken for entertainment purposes.
Those involved have also criticized the show’s portrayal. Chris Paul, among others, has questioned its accuracy. Additionally, Austin Rivers took aim at the casting choices, particularly with Laurence Fishburne playing the role of his father, Doc.
JJ Redick and Jamal Crawford were the latest former Clippers to weigh in on the docuseries. During a recent episode of The Old Man and The Three podcast, the NBA on ESPN broadcaster (and Lakers head coach hopeful) simply mustered an “Oh my gosh” when his former teammate asked him if he’d tuned in.
.@jj_redick and @JCrossover share their honest thoughts on ‘Clipped.’
Full episode: https://t.co/eyR115lFQQ pic.twitter.com/vFutPvXuro
— TheOldMan&TheThree (@OldManAndThree) June 14, 2024
“I’ll be honest with you,” began Redick. “So, I watched most of the first episode. And it’s weird to say this because a very quaffed-haired white dude plays me, and I just couldn’t get emotionally invested. I haven’t seen beyond, like, the first 30 minutes of the first episode, but people have been sending me clips, and it is wild.”
Crawford has watched two episodes and can’t wait to watch the third one.
“It’s hilarious because some things I remember and some things like that did not happen, but I understand it’s entertainment,” Crawford said. “But my hair, I’ve never used a piece of spray paint in my life. Why do they have my hair looking like that? What’s going on here? But it’s entertaining, but it’s been funny to watch.”
On the conversation of casting, Redick asked Crawford what he thought had been the worst representation of a player thus far in terms of how the actor looked and how the player actually looked at the time.
“Steph Curry’s a little off on there,” said Crawford. “A little off, I’m being nice here—just a little. Steph got clipped. I wasn’t a great representation. (Chris Paul) is a little shorter than I remember. I don’t know what CP that is, but Cliff Paul (from the State Farm commercials) wasn’t even looking like that. I don’t know who that is. I don’t know.”
As for Redick, he had a real problem with the Blake Griffin character.
“The biggest issue is Blake has a large — and he’s got great bone structure; he’s always had great bone structure — he has a large head,” added Redick. “And his character has a smaller, pea-sized head. It’s just Blake was such a larger-than-life personality, and he still is. He’s still one of my closest friends, but it’s just like there’s something physically around that character that I can’t wrap my head around.”
That seems to be the prevailing thought around former Clippers players. But, hey, if it’s entertaining, not many people will care one way or another.
