Blake Griffin: Nobody is giving me time to develop.

[Clippersfan86]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers-clippers-20120516,0,6781425,full.column

Great read by TJ Simers who does it again.

"Nobody is giving me time to develop," Griffin said without complaint while both knees were wrapped in ice after the Clippers' 108-92 Game 1 loss to the Spurs. "I have years to improve, but for some reason everyone talks now about what I can't do."

[Asiantastic]

Mainly because he comes off as an arrogant douche.

[IGOTGAME]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers-clippers-20120516,0,6781425,full.column

Great read by TJ Simers who does it again.

"Nobody is giving me time to develop," Griffin said without complaint while both knees were wrapped in ice after the Clippers' 108-92 Game 1 loss to the Spurs. "I have years to improve, but for some reason everyone talks now about what I can't do."

sounds like a bitchmade comment. Never heard any great player say some bs like that.

Getting shut down by Boris Diaw just shouldn't happen.

Also, TJ Simers is nothing but a troll columnist.

[chazzy]

People criticize his game because others hype him up to be better than he actually is. Remember when you thought he was better than Dirk last year?

[NumberSix]

I really dislike Blake Griffin, but..... He's not wrong. It's his 2nd season. of course he hasn't reached his full potential. Nobody is fully developed by their 2nd season.

[EnoughSaid]

Blake Griffin is extremely talented, and has the potential to be the best PF in the game. However, when people start overrating him and calling him the next GOAT PF and putting him above guys like Dirk, LA, Z-Bo and Bosh, it gets annoying.

[IGOTGAME]

Guy has zero post game, no jumpshot and can't shot free throws. Right now he is nothing more than a really good athlete who can't play defense.

[Clippersfan86]

"I don't know what everyone expects," said Griffin, who gives as good as he gets as the body blows add up.

"I expect a lot of myself, but at same time I know this is a process. I look around the league, and sure some guys have early success but for most it takes time to develop. I'm not going to stay the same player for the next 10 years."

[Clippersfan86]

People criticize his game because others hype him up to be better than he actually is. Remember when you thought he was better than Dirk last year?

It's completely irrational to judge a player based on what the media hypes him up as. How would you feel if you were judged purely on the opinions of the media?

[IGOTGAME]

"I don't know what everyone expects," said Griffin, who gives as good as he gets as the body blows add up.

"I expect a lot of myself, but at same time I know this is a process. I look around the league, and sure some guys have early success but for most it takes time to develop. I'm not going to stay the same player for the next 10 years."

why is he concerned about his legacy? why not concern yourself with the fact that you can't score on a old, fat Boris Diaw NOW. Why not concern yourself with the fact that you are 23 and can't make a free throw or play defense? Defense rarely improves that much and Blake simply doesn't have the tools to get much better....

I expect someone who dances around like a prick to be able to back it up....sorry if that is too much.

I love how he is trying to deflect from the fact that he has hardly any moves at 23...when you excepted all those Kia ads and did all that taunting you asked to be judged accordingly...Guess what Blake, don't mistake activity for achievement. Just because you run around like a crazy person doesn't mean you are playing the game right or practicing the game right.

[kurple]

Mainly because he comes off as an arrogant douche.
This..

He's the C.Ronaldo of basketball.. Just not good looking or that good a player

[Meticode]

The main things Griffin needs to work on is his freethrows, post game, and defense and jump shot. he has the talent to be a GOAT PF, but he relies too much on athleticism right now. He has really good handles for his size. If you watch him handle on fast-breaks it's really nice sometimes to watch.

[Micku]

It's true. Sometimes ppl give the notion that this is all Blake Griffin could offer and he is only in his second year. How many players peaked in their second year?

He is pretty good now.He is raw with his post game, and he needs to polish his game up. That comes with practice and time.

[widowmaker]

He wont be able to develop length.

[chazzy]

It's completely irrational to judge a player based on what the media hypes him up as. How would you feel if you were judged purely on the opinions of the media?
I would shut them up with my play and not whine to the media to give me more time :oldlol:

[Draz]

Griffin, I don't care about your basketball athleticism and skills, I care about your trash commercials that burn my time 20 seconds or more every time their on.

[Clippersfan86]

why is he concerned about his legacy? why not concern yourself with the fact that you can't score on a old, fat Boris Diaw. Why not concern yourself with the fact that you are 23 and can't make a free throw or play defense? Defense rarely improves that much and Blake simply doesn't have the tools to get much better....

I expect someone who dances around like a prick to be able to back it up....sorry if that is too much.

Blake had 3 blocks and 3 steals last night right? It's obvious he's capable. More a matter of proper development, coaching and mindset. He needs to take defense as seriously as offense. He does NOT lack the tools.

[DuMa]

UVO, play Linkin Park

[IGOTGAME]

Blake had 3 blocks and 3 steals last night right? It's obvious he's capable. More a matter of proper development, coaching and mindset. He needs to take defense as seriously as offense. He does NOT lack the tools.

he didn't play good defense last night regardless of those plays. He gets beat and is out of position way too much. On the post, he is a liability on defense. He is too small to be a good defender on the block plus he is kinda light down there.

Guy lacks tools. Then look on offense. The way Diaw shut him down was a disgrace. Sad thing is that the Grizz players were doing the same thing to some extent....Blake's response: Stop judgin me so harshly. what a frontrunning bum. He better hope CP3 doesn't leave his ass

[Clippersfan86]

I would shut them up with my play and not whine to the media to give me more time :oldlol:

Really? Rose complained about reffing this year and nobody called him a bitch for that. All Griffin is doing is giving his opinion of the criticism. You think he went to the media to complain? NO. Obviously TJ Simers asked him and he gave a sincere, legit answer.

Reality is people seem to have Michael Jordan level expectations of Blake. If the media's hype is setting those expectations for you... it's your stupidity getting revealed. Despite the media hyping his dunks you CANNOT possibly expect this raw PF to be a complete product in his 2nd season and 1st postseason appearance ever. Bad games for him are still very good for most PF's.

Last night he had 15, 9, 4, 3 and 1. VERY good by most PF standards. Yet in his case as a virgin of the playoffs people shit on him for it.

[NuggetsFan]

It's because of people like YOU. You set high unrealistic expectations of him when he doesn't even sniff them people see him as overrated. He had a great rookie year so expectations were raised, he didn't meet them so people turned. Welcome to the NBA.

I remember arguing with you in the offseason as you expected him to do like 27\12\4 and that he had a chance to be the best PF ever. People didn't realize he was putting numbers up on a team going nowhere and the second they improved he'd statistically come back down to earth. Too much hype, too soon.

Plus he seems pretty arrogant and flops which draws alot of the hate.

[EnoughSaid]

This..

He's the C.Ronaldo of basketball.. Just not good looking or that good a player

Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the best player in Football behind Messi, so no question. Dude has proven he can win (Champion's League, Premier League, La Liga, FIFA World Player of the Year) :bowdown:

[Ai2death]

Bets is clippersfan is Blake Griffen. ISH's comments are hurting his feelings

[Micku]

Griffin, I don't care about your basketball athleticism and skills, I care about your trash commercials that burn my time 20 seconds or more every time their on.

http://www.terezowens.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Blake-Griffin.gif

[IGOTGAME]

Last night he had 15, 9, 4, 3 and 1. VERY good by most PF standards

If only you could "see" the game. If he had a bit of skill then SAS coverage wouldn't work. They wouldn't be able to funnel CP3 like that. This isn't even getting into all the blown coverages on defense and bad man to man defense. Boris Diaw outplayed him yesterday....that isn't good by starting pf standards

[swi7ch]

He has already developed a deadly flopping game.

[Kiddlovesnets]

Thats what happens when your peaked at your first season. People love to see development of young stars, not the opposite. Blake will have to face this kind of blames if his stats and performances get worse year after year. Hed still be a good player though, but the criticism cannot be stopped so long as he plays worse than his rookie season.

[Clippersfan86]

It's because of people like YOU. You set high unrealistic expectations of him when he doesn't even sniff them people see him as overrated. He had a great rookie year so expectations were raised, he didn't meet them so people turned. Welcome to the NBA.

I remember arguing with you in the offseason as you expected him to do like 27\12\4 and that he had a chance to be the best PF ever. People didn't realize he was putting numbers up on a team going nowhere and the second they improved he'd statistically come back down to earth. Too much hype, too soon.

Plus he seems pretty arrogant and flops which draws alot of the hate.

Even if I pushed the bar higher of expectations it's stupid for people not to have perspective on the reality of the situation. BTW I did NOT say those stats for this season. I said ultimate prime for at least one season if he hits potential. I think I didn't realize how costly it would be for a raw, 2nd year big like him to not have coaches to work with him this summer.

I expect a dominant 3rd season explosion similar to what we saw with Rose, Durant, Westbrook, Love.

[Clippersfan86]

If only you could "see" the game. If he had a bit of skill then SAS coverage wouldn't work. They wouldn't be able to funnel CP3 like that. This isn't even getting into all the blown coverages on defense and bad man to man defense. Boris Diaw outplayed him yesterday....that isn't good by starting pf standards

Even with sub par D that's a good game for 99 percent of PF's in the league. It's obviously his sprained knee is affecting him too. He's so much slower and less explosive. Not exploding like usual.

[Rysio]

This..

He's the C.Ronaldo of basketball.. Just not good looking or that good a player
reported.

[ballinhun8]

He sure has developed his crying game.


Cries like a 10 year vet.

[Clippersfan86]

It's proven that people just don't like gingers. Not sure why :no: .

[NuggetsFan]

Even if I pushed the bar higher of expectations it's stupid for people not to have perspective on the reality of the situation. BTW I did NOT say those stats for this season. I said ultimate prime for at least one season if he hits potential. I think I didn't realize how costly it would be for a raw, 2nd year big like him to not have coaches to work with him this summer.

I expect a dominant 3rd season explosion similar to what we saw with Rose, Durant, Westbrook, Love.

I told you with EJ and the team improving that Blake could see a statistical drop as the team improved. You called me crazy, saying he'd go off for ATLEAST 24+. I said 27 but honestly can't remember just know that you thought he was going 100% improve statistically on his rookie season. People for whatever reason seemed to forget Blake did that on a team that won 30 games.

People just had way to high of expectations. There was talk that he had one of the best rookie seasons of all time(statistical maybe, talent wise no).

You expect a 3rd season explosion? You expected a 2nd season one too.

[DGARAS]

you guys are acting like boris diaw is some bum

the guy is arguably one of the top 3 passing big men in the league. he can even bring the ball up like a guard on the fast break. he has a decent jump shot and when he's motivated he plays like a beast.

[Clippersfan86]

I told you with EJ and the team improving that Blake could see a statistical drop as the team improved. You called me crazy, saying he'd go off for ATLEAST 24+. I said 27 but honestly can't remember just know that you thought he was going 100% improve statistically on his rookie season. People for whatever reason seemed to forget Blake did that on a team that won 30 games.

People just had way to high of expectations. There was talk that he had one of the best rookie seasons of all time(statistical maybe, talent wise no).

You expect a 3rd season explosion? You expected a 2nd season one too.

I told you that you were right a long time ago this year about the addition of CP3+Butler+Billups etc hurting his numbers. You may have missed it in a thread, who knows. I was absolutely wrong in thinking that despite that he would have an improved year. You said he would have equal or worse numbers and were exactly right.

That being said I do expect a 3rd year jump IF Neil Olshey is smart enough to hire a better coach like McMillian who will work the hell out of DJ+Griffin and dump the ball to the post more.

[Clippersfan86]

you guys are acting like boris diaw is some bum

the guy is arguably one of the top 3 passing big men in the league. he can even bring the ball up like a guard on the fast break. he has a decent jump shot and when he's motivated he plays like a beast.

He's always been known as a solid-good post defender too.

[devin112]

These kids have short attention spans, plus Diaw's game isn't TOP TEN enough for them. Yet they hate BG.

[outbreak]

Funny seeing this, me and a mate were kinda talking about this yesterday. One of the reason we're not Griffin fans now is the way he is acting and being promoted as an elite star player. He isn't yet at all. He makes flashy dunks and that's about it. Yes he has ALOT of potential and will hopefully develop into a star and these comments actually make me like him abit more as he recognises he still has to improve, from the way he usually acts i got the impression he had bought into all the media bs and considered himself already a star, in which case he may have never developed to his full potential.

[LA_Showtime]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers-clippers-20120516,0,6781425,full.column

Great read by TJ Simers who does it again.

"Nobody is giving me time to develop," Griffin said without complaint while both knees were wrapped in ice after the Clippers' 108-92 Game 1 loss to the Spurs. "I have years to improve, but for some reason everyone talks now about what I can't do."

And that includes you, big head. I told you before the season that Griffin probably wouldn't take that next step this season.

[Phong]

You've heard the man, Stern. Before hyping the **** out of Griffin, wait for him to be worthy of being hyped. Until then, no need to talk about this overrated dunker.

[Darius]

It's fair to judge Griffin for his play in the first 5 games of the Memphis series but not for his last 3 games.

He is playing with a significant knee injury.

[dunksby]

The playoffs exposed Griffin as a glorified dunker, I even felt bad for him last night whenever he got the ball in the post and then froze in his own place not knowing what to do...

[talkingconch]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers-clippers-20120516,0,6781425,full.column

Great read by TJ Simers who does it again.

"Nobody is giving me time to develop," Griffin said without complaint while both knees were wrapped in ice after the Clippers' 108-92 Game 1 loss to the Spurs. "I have years to improve, but for some reason everyone talks now about what I can't do."
http://i.imgur.com/7nq2m.gif

[cteach111]

Griffin's demeanor looks different in the postseason so far. He looks very shook out there.

He's not flopping with confidence like I'm used to seeing him.

[Clippersfan86]

The playoffs exposed Griffin as a glorified dunker, I even felt bad for him last night whenever he got the ball in the post and then froze in his own place not knowing what to do...

In the game before his injury he had 30, 7 and 7 against Memphis right? How is that exposed? Dude has a knee sprain that's bad enough where the Clippers said if it wasn't the playoffs he would be out a couple weeks at least. Give him a break :facepalm .

[BlackVVaves]

I've never heard any of the All-Time Greats complain to the media that they "need more time."

They took the criticism, and improved. They didn't whine to the media.

Shut the **** up and focus on winning your individual matchup. Duncan has 10+ years on you, but he managed to make you look like chair while he proceeded to pat you on the head to console you.

Maybe if you didn't regress so much in your defense and free throw shooting, your coach would leave you in critical parts of games this entire season, and it wouldn't be so obvious that you are, as presently constructed, one dimensional.

I like the kid, but I hope he mans up this summer. Stop flopping, stop whining, stop being so arrogant. If you want to be great, you gotta just go and BE great. And no matter how many ESPN highlights he gets, he will not be better than Dirk, or K-Love, until he works on refining his game....AND image.

[Clippersfan86]

I've never heard any of the All-Time Greats complain to the media that they "need more time."

They took the criticism, and improved. They didn't whine to the media.

Shut the **** up and focus on winning your individual matchup. Duncan has 10+ years on you, but he managed to make you look like chair while he proceeded to pat you on the head to console you.

Maybe if you didn't regress so much in your defense and free throw shooting, your coach would leave you in critical parts of games this entire season, and it wouldn't be so obvious that you are, as presently constructed, one dimensional.

I like the kid, but I hope he mans up this summer. Stop flopping, stop whining, stop being so arrogant. If you want to be great, you gotta just go and BE great. And no matter how many ESPN highlights he gets, he will not be better than Dirk, or K-Love, until he works on refining his game....AND image.

So are you grouping him with the all time greats as a 2nd year player? Why such high expectations if you don't believe he's that good now? Seems illogical. This is the biggest problem about this type of thing. People clearly DO have all time great expectations as you just expressed.. despite saying he's nothing more than a glorified dunker. Which is it? Is he a raw player now with all time great potential? Or is he destined to be an overrated, glorified dunker?

[highwhey]

People criticize his game because others hype him up to be better than he actually is. Remember when you thought he was better than Dirk last year?
:roll: :roll: :roll:

link? i would love to read this. ignant azz cf86

[Clippersfan86]

:roll: :roll: :roll:

link? i would love to read this. ignant azz cf86

I'd love for him to link it and expose himself because that's NOT what I said. I said Griffin had all around better stats but that DIRK was the best PF last year, followed by Amare.

My ranking was...

1. Dirk
2. Amare
3. Griffin
4. Aldridge
5. Zbo

[Phong]

:roll: :roll: :roll:

link? i would love to read this. ignant azz cf86http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231103

[Clippersfan86]

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231103

My first sentence.


"I personally think Blake STATISTICALLY is 2nd after Amare and 3rd overall after Amare and Dirk but here is this piece."


Thank you Phong :applause: .

[chazzy]

:roll: :roll: :roll:

link? i would love to read this. ignant azz cf86..

22.5 ppg, 12 rpg, 4 apg>>>> 20, 12 and 2. Griffin being better than a 9 year vet like Randolph and already being on the level of the rest of the bigs in the league as a rookie should worry you so I understand you being a hater.

Amare
Griffin
Dirk
Zach Randolph
LaMarcus Aldridge/Bosh

is my top 5. Statistically this is the most accurate list and I happen to agree with it from watching these players also. I want to give Dirk the top spot because he's top notch, is always winning and has the most impact on his team probably... but his 7 rebounds a game and major drop in scoring is just too much to ignore.

[Clippersfan86]

..

Read the first sentence. My overall opinion was that STATISTICALLY Griffin was the 2nd best but overall due to impact among other things Griffin was the 3rd best PF. Nice job making yourself look like a jackass with poor reading comprehension though! :applause: . That specific paragraph if you cherry picking my section where I explained why STATISTICALLY Griffin was 2nd best. I opened the whole thread with how Griffin is the 3rd best overall PF on my list after Dirk+Amare.

[highwhey]

I'd love for him to link it and expose himself because that's NOT what I said. I said Griffin had all around better stats but that DIRK was the best PF last year, followed by Amare.

My ranking was...

1. Dirk
2. Amare
3. Griffin
4. Aldridge
5. Zbo
oh, i read the thread, you actually didn't claim bg as numero uno. the writer of the article is just silly though. i'll say griffin is in top 5 but #1, especially not after a fresh championship victory that Dirk got.

[Clippersfan86]

oh, i read the thread, you actually didn't claim bg as numero uno. the writer of the article is just silly though. i'll say griffin is in top 5 but #1, especially not after a fresh championship victory that Dirk got.

I merely explained why STATISTICALLY Griffin had a case. Everybody with a brain knows his impact isn't up to par with Dirk by any means. Besides Dirk is a proven product and a playoff God. Griffin was not better than Dirk nor would I ay it.

[bsyde82]

CF86, why do you feel such a strong need to prove to everyone how awesome BG and the clips are? You are obviously a huge fan, that's great. But I'm not sure what your end goal is in starting up all these clipper threads.

And re: this specific topic, yea he's hated on, most definitely, kind of like Lebron, in that most people see these guys as massive douchebags, so I hope you can at least see where the hate is coming from. In terms of basketball, his defense will always be limited by his length. His limbs aren't growing any longer. But no reason why he can't be a good man defender on the block or a PnR defender. He just won't control the paint area like other defensive bigs.

Offensively, I don't see him ever becoming a "good" shooter. Just a hunch on the way he shoots, and how little confidence he has in it. It's one thing to be a mediocre shooter who needs to develop. But Blake RARELY even attempts a jump shot, and it's because he's an atrocious shooter. His confidence seems shaken easily. I mentioned in the past that I heard a Simmons podcast with BG where BG said he's working exclusively on his jump shot. I'm assuming he did - but where's the improvement? In production, form, etc? Didn't see any. He could have better post moves, but the problem again is his length. Elite post players like TD, Garnett, and even LA to name a younger guy, are successfull because of their length. BG just doesn't have that, not even close actually. He'll never be able to do what those guys do on a regular basis, in my opinion.

[chazzy]

Read the first sentence. My overall opinion was that STATISTICALLY Griffin was the 2nd best but overall due to impact among other things Griffin was the 3rd best PF. Nice job making yourself look like a jackass with poor reading comprehension though! :applause: . That specific paragraph if you cherry picking my section where I explained why STATISTICALLY Griffin was 2nd best. I opened the whole thread with how Griffin is the 3rd best overall PF on my list after Dirk+Amare.
..

and I happen to agree with it from watching these players also

[Clippersfan86]

..

Agree with the statistical aspect of it. I prefaced it by saying due to impact etc Dirk>Griffin. You jumped the gun.

[bsyde82]

CF, so where does BG rank now among PFs in your opinion?

[Whoah10115]

TJ Simers sucks.



Not that I disagree with Griffin. But TJ Simers sucks.

[BlackVVaves]

So are you grouping him with the all time greats as a 2nd year player? Why such high expectations if you don't believe he's that good now? Seems illogical. This is the biggest problem about this type of thing. People clearly DO have all time great expectations as you just expressed.. despite saying he's nothing more than a glorified dunker. Which is it? Is he a raw player now with all time great potential? Or is he destined to be an overrated, glorified dunker?

I know it does. Note the satire in my post, referring to you saying, just a short while ago, that Griffin has the potential to be a Top 5-10 PF of all time. Doesn't seem viable when someone else states it, eh?

He is a good player, who's dunking exhibitions have warranted him the type of attention that GREAT players receive. But, that's the thing. He's NOT great. Not yet. And, in my estimation, even if and when he DOES tap into that potential, I don't think he'll be an All-Time Great. Better than Duncan, Malone, KG, Mchale, Petit, Barkley, or Dirk? I know you seem to think so, but I don't. Doesn't mean he can't be one of the best PFs in his era. But there's a difference between being great, and being an ALL TIME great.

Like I said, I like the kid. But, tune down the arrogance, because he's nowhere near the top of the moutain yet. He needs to invest in some humility, and maybe analysts and fans alike won't be so critical.

AND. Even if they continue to be critical, so what? Blake gets more glory than disdain in the media generally speaking, so why should anyone feel pity for the slight criticism he DOES get? What's being said? That he has no post moves, flops way too much for the tough guy persona he generates, and can't play a lick of consistent defense. Is any of that false? No. Yes, it's his second year. It's also the second year he's been promoted as, and seemingly embraced, the second coming. So, the constructive criticism IS fair.

Hopefully he'll be better for it. Otherwise, the Shawn Kemp 2.0 analogies will indeed become fitting.

[ShaqAttack3234]

Defense rarely improves that much

I don't agree with this, some guys do player better defense in their earlier years before having to carry a bigger offensive load, particularly perimeter players. But in general, a lot of players mature and become smarter defenders. Not that I think Blake will ever be a great defender, but in most cases, I just don't see rookies and 2nd year players at or close to their defensive peaks.

[Clippersfan86]

CF, so where does BG rank now among PFs in your opinion?

Probably 3rd after... Love and Dirk.

[highwhey]

Probably 3rd after... Love and Dirk.
do you find this picture as funnny as i do?
http://i.imm.io/ppSY.jpeg
:roll: :roll: :roll:

[bsyde82]

Probably 3rd after... Love and Dirk.

So you have him over KG and TD right now? I'm not talking about for the future, just right now. You can't be serious about this...

[Clippersfan86]

I know it does. Note the satire in my post, referring to you saying, just a short while ago, that Griffin has the potential to be a Top 5-10 PF of all time. Doesn't seem viable when someone else states it, eh?

He is a good player, who's dunking exhibitions have warranted him the type of attention that GREAT players receive. But, that's the thing. He's NOT great. Not yet. And, in my estimation, even if and when he DOES tap into that potential, I don't think he'll be an All-Time Great. Better than Duncan, Malone, KG, Mchale, Petit, Barkley, or Dirk? I know you seem to think so, but I don't. Doesn't mean he can't be one of the best PFs in his era. But there's a difference between being great, and being an ALL TIME great.

Like I said, I like the kid. But, tune down the arrogance, because he's nowhere near the top of the moutain yet. He needs to invest in some humility, and maybe analysts and fans alike won't be so critical.

AND. Even if they continue to be critical, so what? Blake gets more glory than disdain in the media generally speaking, so why should anyone feel pity for the slight criticism he DOES get? What's being said? That he has no post moves, flops way too much for the tough guy persona he generates, and can't play a lick of consistent defense. Is any of that false? No. Yes, it's his second year. It's also the second year he's been promoted as, and seemingly embraced, the second coming. So, the constructive criticism IS fair.

Hopefully he'll be better for it. Otherwise, the Shawn Kemp 2.0 analogies will indeed become fitting.

I disagree with Griffin getting more glory than disdain in the media, at least this year. As usual with good players media year one kissed his ass hard. This year the media absolutely SHREDS him. They have already turned on him like they always do. Sure they hype every great dunk but in general they have disowned him.

I think he understands constructive criticism but when it evolves to hate because he's not showing enough for what YOU expect, that's when it becomes out of line. The guy puts up 30, 6 and 7 vs Memphis.. then gets the bad knee sprain next game and his stats plummet. Yet everybody is labeling him a playoff choke now. He's clearly gotten more passive since the injury and been a step slow.

Myself as others have never flat out said he's a lock to be an all time great PF but more that he has the potential for it, which is obviously true. It's going to take one hell of a career to top the names you listed. He has lots of time though. I personally think Nash would do a hell of a lot more next to Griffin than CP3 is. CP3 is very ball dominant and we all thought he would improve Griffin but I feel he's made Griffin worse.

It's hard for Griffin to be as effective when CP3 is holding the ball for 20+ seconds of every shot clock it seems.

[Clippersfan86]

So you have him over KG and TD right now? I'm not talking about for the future, just right now. You can't be serious about this...

In the playoffs no. During regular season, yes. I feel he had a better year, though both of those players were still great. 21/11/3 on 54 percent shooting, slightly improved D and on a winning team. Not sure why I can't say 3rd best PF this year.

[Clippersfan86]

do you find this picture as funnny as i do?
http://i.imm.io/ppSY.jpeg
:roll: :roll: :roll:

:oldlol: yes.

[bsyde82]

CP3 is very ball dominant and we all thought he would improve Griffin but I feel he's made Griffin worse.



whoa. You might literally be the only person on Earth that thinks that. Seriously? Blake led the league in points in the paint and I think CP3 had a little something to do with that.

[bsyde82]

In the playoffs no. During regular season, yes. I feel he had a better year, though both of those players were still great. 21/11/3 on 54 percent shooting, slightly improved D and on a winning team. Not sure why I can't say 3rd best PF this year.

The winning team thing is mainly due to CP3. I think most would agree on that.

LA imo has a far greater impact because he's a legit go-to player. Him and CP3 would be amazing together, or any decent PG for that matter.

[Clippersfan86]

whoa. You might literally be the only person on Earth that thinks that. Seriously? Blake led the league in points in the paint and I think CP3 had a little something to do with that.

Sorry made him worse is a bit strong. What I mean is Griffin didn't get the shot attempts+post feeds he should have got and we thought he would get with an elite passing PG. CP3 likes to hold the ball a lot. Last year we fed the post significantly more. Now most of the time Griffin is getting the ball 15 feet from the basket. Which is hurting him.

[Clippersfan86]

The winning team thing is mainly due to CP3. I think most would agree on that.

LA imo has a far greater impact because he's a legit go-to player. Him and CP3 would be amazing together, or any decent PG for that matter.

The fact that Griffin gets double teams= legit go to player. Teams won't send a double to a player who isn't a go to player.

[BlackVVaves]

I disagree with Griffin getting more glory than disdain in the media, at least this year. As usual with good players media year one kissed his ass hard. This year the media absolutely SHREDS him. They have already turned on him like they always do. Sure they hype every great dunk but in general they have disowned him.

I think he understands constructive criticism but when it evolves to hate because he's not showing enough for what YOU expect, that's when it becomes out of line. The guy puts up 30, 6 and 7 vs Memphis.. then gets the bad knee sprain next game and his stats plummet. Yet everybody is labeling him a playoff choke now. He's clearly gotten more passive since the injury and been a step slow.

Myself as others have never flat out said he's a lock to be an all time great PF but more that he has the potential for it, which is obviously true. It's going to take one hell of a career to top the names you listed. He has lots of time though. I personally think Nash would do a hell of a lot more next to Griffin than CP3 is. CP3 is very ball dominant and we all thought he would improve Griffin but I feel he's made Griffin worse.

It's hard for Griffin to be as effective when CP3 is holding the ball for 20+ seconds of every shot clock it seems.

If CP3 is truly the best point guard in the game today, and has always been, including Nash's MVP years and the years that followed when Nash was even BETTER statistically than his MVP years, than there is no reason why Blake's lack of improvement should be put on Paul. It can't be both ways mate. CP3 can't be your MVP (I believe you stated that you think he should be the MVP a week or two ago, no?), but make Blake Griffin a worse player. You gotta pick a side.:confusedshrug:

[hkc]

The main things Griffin needs to work on is his freethrows, post game, and defense and jump shot. he has the talent to be a GOAT PF, but he relies too much on athleticism right now. He has really good handles for his size. If you watch him handle on fast-breaks it's really nice sometimes to watch.


So essentially he needs to learn how to play the game of basketball?

[kurple]

Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the best player in Football behind Messi, so no question. Dude has proven he can win (Champion's League, Premier League, La Liga, FIFA World Player of the Year) :bowdown:
But he's acts like a douche and a spoiled brat..

that makes a lot of people dislike him

[Clippersfan86]

If CP3 is truly the best point guard in the game today, and has always been, including Nash's MVP years and the years that followed when Nash was even BETTER statistically than his MVP years, than there is no reason why Blake's lack of improvement should be put on Paul. It can't be both ways mate. CP3 can't be your MVP (I believe you stated that you think he should be the MVP a week or two ago, no?), but make Blake Griffin a worse player. You gotta pick a side.:confusedshrug:

Chris Paul is deserving of MVP because take him off the Clippers and they don't make the playoffs. I didn't say he made Griffin better. Though overall I think everybody outside of Griffin benefited greatly from his presence. I don't think he made Griffin worse, as I said that was strong wording. He sure as hell didn't help him make the leap I expected he would.

[Micku]

I know it does. Note the satire in my post, referring to you saying, just a short while ago, that Griffin has the potential to be a Top 5-10 PF of all time. Doesn't seem viable when someone else states it, eh?

He is a good player, who's dunking exhibitions have warranted him the type of attention that GREAT players receive. But, that's the thing. He's NOT great. Not yet. And, in my estimation, even if and when he DOES tap into that potential, I don't think he'll be an All-Time Great. Better than Duncan, Malone, KG, Mchale, Petit, Barkley, or Dirk? I know you seem to think so, but I don't. Doesn't mean he can't be one of the best PFs in his era. But there's a difference between being great, and being an ALL TIME great.



Dirk is actually a very good example. Dirk in his second year wasn't as impressive as Blake Griffin in his second year or Griffin's rookie year. And Dirk didn't hit his peak until arguably last year, when he was 32 years old. Dirk improved his game a lot since his earlier days. Who knows what type of player would Griffin be like in his peak. He just have potential to be great.

If Dirk and Griffin played at the same time, both would be rookies and go on to their sophomore year, I think a lot of ppl would say that Blake would be better.

Similar to KG. Look at KG as a rookie and sophomore year.

And Karl Malone. Karl Malone arguably didn't peak until his 30s. He became a better defender as well. You can look at Karl Malone ad a rookie and sophomore too. And it doesn't compare to his later works.

I think the only PF who is active that had a flat out better rookie year and sophomore year is Duncan. Duncan was a stud from the start.

[Kiddlovesnets]

I think expectation really had been skyhigh for Blake. Dude is a poor man's Amare and people are treating him like prime Duncan...

[Matty2Cool]

Griffin's demeanor looks different in the postseason so far. He looks very shook out there.

He's not flopping with confidence like I'm used to seeing him.

:roll:

[andgar923]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers-clippers-20120516,0,6781425,full.column

Great read by TJ Simers who does it again.

"Nobody is giving me time to develop," Griffin said without complaint while both knees were wrapped in ice after the Clippers' 108-92 Game 1 loss to the Spurs. "I have years to improve, but for some reason everyone talks now about what I can't do."

here's my complain against him...

I understand that his shot will be more consistent with experience.
It's a given that his defense will improve with time.
I also know that he'll become smarter at reading the defense

My biggest complaint against Blake is his lack of basic shit.

He doesn't know how to set a pick or roll. He still lacks many basic offensive moves in the post. I can forgive perimeter moves, but I'm referring to basic high school moves.

So far he solely relies on his athletic ability, which there's nothing wrong, but he'd be much better if he had a set of basic fundamentally sound moves coming into the league.

Duncan was already killing with simple basic fundamental moves. Duncan was also way smarter on both ends of the floor, and had a general superior understanding of the game (higher IQ).

[SCdac]

Griffin is one of my favorite big men, but ironically enough I liked him more last year, on a losing team, not teamed with bitch-made Chris Paul (who probably leaves the Clippers eventually). In 2011 Blake was assisting more for others, and was assisted on less of his made baskets. His intangibles seemed to ring through more, despite not having winning results. Always felt Griffin had "it" (from the first time I watched him live over 2 years ago), that greatness that's innate, but I think he should try to develop his jump shot greatly (ala Duncan, Garnett, Dirk, Amare) to keep teams on their toes, and continue running plays out of the post (instead of becoming a finisher, after Paul dominates the ball). I don't like the comments he's making here, feeling sorry for himself, the pressure getting to him, but I can understand why he's making them. He's inexperienced and you cant change that overnight. Still, he was arguably the most NBA ready player to come out of that draft - no reason he shouldn't be improving on some relatively glaring weaknesses.

[TheBluest]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers-clippers-20120516,0,6781425,full.column

Great read by TJ Simers who does it again.

"Nobody is giving me time to develop," Griffin said without complaint while both knees were wrapped in ice after the Clippers' 108-92 Game 1 loss to the Spurs. "I have years to improve, but for some reason everyone talks now about what I can't do."


This is why I shot down the thread someone started that he was overrated uhhhh he's getting criticized a lot lately and sometimes undeserved but he needs to improve...

A bigger and more truer statement is

NO ONE IS GIVING VINNY TIME TO COACH THIS TEAM

[Kobe 4 The Win]

He must be reading ISH

[305Baller]

I agree with Griffin's assessment but he has to develop in playoff pressure.
He has to deal with the reality given.

[SevereUpInHere]

He must be reading ISH

F*ck you Griffin if you're reading this.

ISH #1!!11!!

[Teanett]

Dirk is actually a very good example. Dirk in his second year wasn't as impressive as Blake Griffin in his second year or Griffin's rookie year. And Dirk didn't hit his peak until arguably last year, when he was 32 years old. Dirk improved his game a lot since his earlier days. Who knows what type of player would Griffin be like in his peak. He just have potential to be great.

If Dirk and Griffin played at the same time, both would be rookies and go on to their sophomore year, I think a lot of ppl would say that Blake would be better.

Similar to KG. Look at KG as a rookie and sophomore year.

And Karl Malone. Karl Malone arguably didn't peak until his 30s. He became a better defender as well. You can look at Karl Malone ad a rookie and sophomore too. And it doesn't compare to his later works.

I think the only PF who is active that had a flat out better rookie year and sophomore year is Duncan. Duncan was a stud from the start.

dirk wasnt physically ready to play in the nba. he had to adjust to the speed and physicality but his skills, his shot and ballhandling were already there.
he fine tuned-them and learned how to use them more more effectively but they were there from the get-go, same with z-bo, same with duncan, same with webber.
blake has the body but his basketball skills are just average (for an nba player).

[Richesly]

Guy has zero post game, no jumpshot and can't shot free throws. Right now he is nothing more than a really good athlete who can't play defense.


He had a god damn jumper against the hawks.
:rant

[guy]

He's only in his 2nd year and he's already directly responding to criticism. He should shut up. Thats not a good look for him. Don't make excuses and tell everyone that you will eventually be a better player. Just do it.

As much as I hate Lebron, at least he doesn't really directly respond to criticism. I'm not sure he ever made excuses for his Cavs teams that everyone else were giving him a pass for. Didn't make an excuse about last year.

Great players don't complain like that especially this early in their careers. I'm starting to doubt that he has the mental makeup to really be on an all-time level like Duncan, KG, Malone, Barkley, Dirk, etc.

[wang4three]

Was it any different for Tyreke, Rose, Durant, Roy, and Chris Paul following their ROY seasons? Even non-ROY winners but still very good to great players like John Wall, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, Russell Westbrook, Brook Lopez, Rudy Gay, Deron Williams, and Dwight Howard were criticized highly following promising seasons.

He should take a look at his peers and realize...it's not special to specifically him. Everyone's getting it.

[Pinkhearts]

Judging players by stats seems very misguided now. I won't agree that the best players put up the best stats. Sure it takes great skill to put up amazing stats, but it's only up to a certain point.

Once you can average better than 20/10 and can explode for over 40 points when needed I'll consider that good enough. I wouldn't argue that a 27/14 player is better than a 23/12 player because the difference is so negligible especially when the second player is in a better team. The stat difference could be due to meaningless stat padding when your team isn't contending anymore.

Just look at Messi. He just had his statistically best ever season, breaking all time scoring records and having his highest assists. But yet he has won nothing. Barca fans will tell you that this is not his best season, especially during his little slump time when Barca lost a lot of points and got kicked out of CL.
If you keep dumping the ball to a talented player and expect him to do all the work, of course he's going to produce great stats. But that doesn't make a winning or even a good team. To win you will need a balanced team, and having a star player scoring all the goals or points and dominating all the plays is definitely not balanced. A real winner will have lowered albeit still great stats

[ILLsmak]

I think you do have to take a look at people who say they need to develop.

It seems like they are putting off the truth.

Thinking you are the best and you're not even in your prime is one thing, but saying... hey gimme time to develop sounds like you're asking for an excuse.

-Smak

[It's A VC3!!!]

If he put as much effot into developing a jumpshot as he did into flopping, he would develop much quicker. He is spending too much off the court time flopping on the floor and taking exaggerated emotion classes just to be ready for the game.:oldlol:

He's a great player though. He certainly exceeded expectations.

[gilalizard]

why is he concerned about his legacy? why not concern yourself with the fact that you can't score on a old, fat Boris Diaw NOW. Why not concern yourself with the fact that you are 23 and can't make a free throw or play defense? Defense rarely improves that much and Blake simply doesn't have the tools to get much better....

I expect someone who dances around like a prick to be able to back it up....sorry if that is too much.

I love how he is trying to deflect from the fact that he has hardly any moves at 23...when you excepted all those Kia ads and did all that taunting you asked to be judged accordingly...Guess what Blake, don't mistake activity for achievement. Just because you run around like a crazy person doesn't mean you are playing the game right or practicing the game right.

Wtf do kia ads have to do with a player's stage of development? A commercial is a few days shooting time at best. It has zero impact on his practice time.

Some people seem to be seriously butthurt over this guy's endorsement contracts. He's a natural in front of the camera and that apparantly has twisted up a lot of panties into a lot of bunches.

Griffin is completely right. He's a young, talented, inexperienced player. You can't judge him now for his lack of skillset. Where he's at in 2-3 years will show whether he is serious about improving his game, or remains content to rely upon his athleticism.

What he needs to do is devote some of his gym-rat energy into time spent on the court developing specific basketball skills.