Thursday, February 10, 2011

Blake Griffin Is Overrated

I've had some writers block lately.  I hated every sentence I wrote about the Super Bowl and never published what is more or less a finished blog.  Something has been bothering me (other than the end of football) and I finally figured it out when I watched the Clippers play the Magic.  I have to get this off my chest...


Blake Griffin is overrated and he shouldn't be an All-Star.  Yeah, I said it.

Griffin is my second favorite player in the NBA.  He went to OU, we share a name, and with the exception of Dwight Howard, he is the most exciting above the rim player.  His highlights are in a class by themselves and his acrobatic play has resurrected a lifeless organization.

The problem with Griffin is what goes on between those highlights.  His numbers are padded from rebounds off of free throws and points at the rim.  He doesn't work hard for position on offense, and he plays no defense.  Zero defense.  He really doesn't even try.  As a fan it borders on embarrassing.  I find myself hoping no one notices.

I'm not saying Griffin isn't good, but he is an incomplete player.  He has unlimited potential, but free throw and mid range jump shooting are negatives along with his nonexistent defense.  He has to learn how to work within the offense and establish post position better.  Fans have a false sense of what he is as a player because they only see his highlights.  He is isn't even close to realizing his potential.  He needs some time to develop. 

My biggest complaint about Griffin as an All-Star is his lack of consistent game impact.  He looks lost on the floor.  He stands around at the top of the key and doesn't have much feel for the pick and roll.  Most of the plays we see on TV come in bursts or explosions more accurately.  He spends too much time not being involved in the game.

I have no doubt his game will improve.  His work ethic has already reached legendary status.  He's got All-Star numbers, but numbers don't always tell the whole story.  When I watch him play I don't see an All-Star.  That being said, he will probably put on an unbelievable show in the All-Star Game.  His inclusion automatically makes the game better.  He actually plays his regular season games like he's in an All-Star Game.  No defense, all highlights.

It's tough to admit that Blake Griffin is overrated.  It's not his fault.  He has become so hugely popular his game cannot keep up with his reputation.  I would guess there are thousands of Blake Griffin "fans" that have never watched a Clippers game.  I think it's awesome that the public has taken to him, but he's not as good as his highlights suggest.  He gets more run than Kobe Bryant on Sportscenter.  How is he supposed to live up to that as a rookie?  He'll get there, but he's not there yet.

5 comments:

  1. Ooooh you are in so much trouble with your dad, and grandfather and especially your grandmother. Better be glad they don't have a computer. :) I appreciate your sense of reality even when it hurts. Your loving mom.

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  2. Very interesting article! I couldn't have said it better myself! As far as a complete player, you are on the mark. However, in the last 30 years, the Clippers have never had such energy from one player on the court...and a good person off the court. He is making a huge difference for the organization. Just as baseball has a rep from each club in the All Star game, basketball is recognizing the closest thing to a Clipper All Star. Having said that, if he remains healthy, Blake is going to be a superstar...of course with some other organization (OKC Thunder). I had the opportunity to see Labron in his rookie year and you saw the same raw talent. Super plays and bonehead mistakes. But he carried that team on his shoulders for several years and got them into the playoffs. So, I have just one question: Rodman, really?????

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  3. Like I said before, Rodman was fun to watch. He rebounded like Jordan scored. I didn't care for his hair or antics, but when it came down to playing basketball, he was interesting. Griffin will probably need an upgrade in coaching to help his game along. His ball handling is so impressive for a big man, he could really flourish in an up tempo offense. He will be a star for years to come but he still plays like a rookie in many areas. By the way, OKC is never going to happen unless they move a major piece to make room for him. I really don't see it.

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  4. Blake in OKC...one can dream. I wish you would throw out the facts and data and just go with the latest rumor that Blake is moving to the Thunder after next year!! As far as Rodman rebounding, he was amazing. How Phil Jackson kept a lid on that group is beyond comprehension!!

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  5. I don't think I'll be able to use you as a replacement for ESPN if you only post every 2 months

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