The Los Angeles Clippers once had a duo that took the league by storm. Almost 20 years ago, the Clippers did not have high expectations as a basketball team, but these two players brought excitement to the team.

Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles were both drafted by the Clippers the same year. The bond they formed over the years is something that they will never forget.

Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson coming into the league

Even before they got to the NBA, Miles and Richardson already knew each other. They both were from the same state, which was Illinois. The two knew each other since they were kids. It only fits that they get drafted by the same team during the same year. The Clippers selected Miles with the third overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft, and Richardson was selected at No. 18.

Two kids who grew up together were now on the same NBA team playing in a popular city. During their brief time with the Clippers, they became known as “The Knuckleheads.” They got that nickname from their celebration of tapping their head with balled-up fists. Their celebration took the league by storm, and it wasn’t too long for people to know who they were.

Miles and Richardson only played together for two seasons, but they left a lasting impression in the NBA. Michael Jordan even took notice of the two, and he wanted them to endorse his brand. In their rookie seasons, Miles was named to the All-Rookie First Team after averaging 9.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and Richardson averaged 8.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Both players primarily came off the bench during their time with the Clippers. The Clippers may have been one of the worst teams in the league, but they had two of the most known players in the league for a few years.

Their time in the NBA after playing together

After playing two seasons together with the Clippers, the duo split apart. Miles was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers while Richardson stayed with the Clippers. Richardson spent a total of four seasons in L.A., and in his final season with the Clippers, he became a starter. His numbers improved too as he averaged 17.2 points (career-high), 6.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He would play for the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and the Orlando Magic after the Clippers.

Miles played two seasons in Cleveland after his brief stint with the Clippers and also played for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Memphis Grizzlies. His best season came during the 2005-06 season with Portland when he averaged 14 points per game, which was a career-high. Even though the two split up after their first two seasons in the league, they continued to have a close relationship throughout their NBA careers.

Starting a podcast together

After their careers were over, Richardson and Miles decided to start a podcast. The lifelong friends came back together, and it was like they never left. On the podcast, they have had high-profile athletes, musicians, and entertainers. They keep it real on the podcast too, and they’re brutally honest about everything from current events to untold stories.

Richardson and Miles had a special bond as kids, and growing up, they continued with that bond and became even closer. Everything worked out for them when they came into the league. It’s not often that you see two close friends get drafted to the same team and play together. Their relationship is still strong to this day, and they will always be remembered as “The Knuckleheads.”