The Los Angeles Clippers have selected John Gibson to serve as the franchise’s interim governor and CEO while Steve Ballmer serves a one-year suspension handed down by the NBA. The league gave the green light to Gibson’s appointment on Monday after a review process, enabling him to assume the team’s temporary leadership.
Gibson is a Los Angeles-based trial attorney and former DLA Piper partner who has also been a longtime Clippers season-ticket holder. Ballmer put him forward to serve as his replacement during the suspension, which formed part of the NBA’s punishment of the Clippers over cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard.
John Gibson takes over Clippers leadership
Gibson said he was honored to accept the responsibility and expressed his gratitude for the chance to serve an organization he has backed for many years. He pointed to the Clippers’ players, coaches, and staff, as well as Intuit Dome and the team’s fans.
His stated focus will be on supporting the organization’s people, providing steady leadership, and helping the franchise keep moving forward during a period of significant change.
Gibson’s appointment fills the most prominent leadership vacancy created by the NBA’s investigation and resulting suspensions. The Clippers are now proceeding with several changes to their leadership structure while Ballmer serves his one-year suspension.
Steve Ballmer suspension changes Clippers structure
The Clippers initially signaled that they planned to contest the punishment issued by the NBA, but the franchise later reversed course and accepted the league’s decision. Los Angeles also completed the previously agreed trade, sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
Other leadership positions have also been impacted by the suspensions. General manager Trent Redden is expected to oversee basketball operations while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank serves a six-month suspension.
President of business operations Gillian Zucker was also suspended for one year. Gibson’s appointment therefore gives the organization an interim governor while other senior executives deal with the fallout of the NBA’s investigation.
Kawhi Leonard’s deal leaves the Clippers facing long-term changes
The NBA’s punishment has left the Clippers without five future first-round picks, creating significant challenges for the franchise as it plans for the future. At the same time, several of its key decision-makers will be unavailable for periods ranging from six to 12 months.
Under Gibson’s interim leadership, the Clippers will have to navigate this period while preparing their longer-term plans. Frank is not expected to return until after the trade deadline next season, meaning the temporary leadership structure will remain important well into the upcoming campaign.
As part of its punishment, the NBA also placed the Clippers under a compliance and monitoring program overseen by the league office for five years. The organization will therefore be operating under continued league oversight while its suspended executives gradually return to their positions.