Thoughts on Blake Griffin

[Redz]

Last night was the first full NBA game I've seen him play.  He is what all of the highlight reels show: super athletic. mad hops, fast, deft dribbler, and capable passer.  Seems to be a team player.  The Celts did show that he can be shut down though.

My biggest gripe with his game is insistence on literally throwing down any shot within 5 feet of the hoop.  If you can dunk it, fine.  But if you can't reach the rim, trying t throw the ball down through the hoop is a lower percentage shot than softening the shot and laying it off the glass or lofting it up for swish.  I guess he'll figure out.  There's a scary amount of upside for a guy who is already so productive.

[LB3533]

Blake's defense needs work.

He also needs to find a way to bring up his level of intensity.

I only see his intensity after he dunks or something.

Passion and intensity should be on full display at all times.

[jambr380]

I am all for constructive criticism, as it is the only way one can improve. But, Blak Griffin has come better than advertised. I am surprised that he is this good, this fast - especially given that he is coming off major knee surgery.

I can see how he may need to up his intensity level; however, he also comes off as extremely mature without being pompous about it (think Lebron in his first couple of years). I appreciate the fact that he has unlimited power and 'hops' without acting like a bozo about it. I am excited to see what he will bring for years to come - even if he doesn't get much better.

[CoachBo]

Great take, Redz.

As an OU grad out here in the Midwest, Blake's as polished an offensive player as you'll ever see as a rookie. Thought it became evident last night, though, that he's unaccustomed to being slowed down by his defender. Garnett got into his head a bit in the second half.

He's a below-average on-ball defender right now, thanks to the sorry excuse for a coach the Sooners have. Blake's a good analogy, though, to all the people who claim that Green's a really bad defender - both have all the physical tools to be above average, but no one's ever developed them or demanded they defend.

[CelticSooner]

Great take, Redz.

As an OU grad out here in the Midwest, Blake's as polished an offensive player as you'll ever see as a rookie. Thought it became evident last night, though, that he's unaccustomed to being slowed down by his defender. Garnett got into his head a bit in the second half.

He's a below-average on-ball defender right now, thanks to the sorry excuse for a coach the Sooners have. Blake's a good analogy, though, to all the people who claim that Green's a really bad defender - both have all the physical tools to be above average, but no one's ever developed them or demanded they defend.

I agree with you on Capel. I'm not sure Blake is going to get the coaching of defense from Del Negro either.

For a first year player Blake is really something but to reach him true potential he's going to need good coaching. Not sure the Clippers will ever get him that.

[amenhotep04]

Great take, Redz.

As an OU grad out here in the Midwest, Blake's as polished an offensive player as you'll ever see as a rookie. Thought it became evident last night, though, that he's unaccustomed to being slowed down by his defender. Garnett got into his head a bit in the second half.

He's a below-average on-ball defender right now, thanks to the sorry excuse for a coach the Sooners have. Blake's a good analogy, though, to all the people who claim that Green's a really bad defender - both have all the physical tools to be above average, but no one's ever developed them or demanded they defend.

The kid is absolutely incredible. Way better than I thought he would be. If he gets a couple more chips around him, the Clippers could be pretty good or dominant for years to come.

And as an alum of THE Oklahoma State University, I don't take pride in admitting the former OU player could be the face of the NBA for years to come. Yet, he might deserve it.