mvn
Posted June 8th, 2009 by mvn
Tags: Basketball, Los Angeles Clippers
1%

NBA Outsider Mock Draft: L.A. Clippers Select Blake Griffin

NBA Outsider is hosting a 2009 NBA mock draft, where bloggers
from all over come together in an attempt to project the draft results
that will take place June 25th .

Clips Nation’s Steve Perrin picks for the Clippers at No. 1 The Clippers surprise no one with their selection of Blake Griffin out of Oklahoma. Follow the mock draft. Follow the mock draft here.

Blake Griffin is a complete no brainer in this draft.  He is a rare combination of size, athleticism and work ethic.  He was far and away the best player in the NCAA last season, averaging 14.4 rebounds and 22.7 points per game on 65.4% (!) shooting - and by all indications he’s also a great kid.  His size and athleticism compare favorably to AmarĂ© Stoudemire, and he measures out stronger and quicker than Stat.  Is he a “can’t miss” All Star?  There are no guarantees, but he’s pretty close.

The Clippers have made little secret of their intentions to draft Griffin, so this is about the safest mock pick in history.  Coach Mike Dunleavy Sr. said “He’s our guy” directly after the lottery, and Griffin showed up on the team’s website the next day.  After evidently getting a mild reprimand from the league (preferring that the draft at least have the appearance of suspense), the team quickly added Ricky Rubio to the front page.  But the pretense ended when Griffin worked out in front of the media and about 100 LAC season ticket holders and sponsors June 6.

After grabbing a complete gem in last year’s draft in 7th pick Eric Gordon, the Clippers will have two 20 year olds with all star potential to build around.  And there’s no reason they can’t win now also, as they’ve got plenty of other talent on the roster, and some decent trade assets as well.  With Griffin joining a front court already featuring three starter level players and about $36M in annual salary, the team would be wise to make a trade to create a little space for him.
Blake Griffin would have helped any team immensely in this draft, but for the Clippers winning the lottery is the difference between a roster loaded with problems and a roster loaded with opportunities.

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