Clippers' gleaming new arena can't obscure the mediocrity of the team that plays inside it

Wednesday's debut was a metaphor for this entire Clippers era -- hope gained, and quickly extinguished

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- The place was beautiful. 

On Wednesday night, in the season opener, the Los Angeles Clippers debuted their new, gleaming, futuristic arena. No more sharing with the Los Angeles Lakers. No more banners above, covered or otherwise, celebrating someone else's accomplishments. No more feeling like a second-class team whittling the time away in someone else's building.

The other L.A. team had its own home now, and it was a sight to see.