(Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers)
This NBA season began with a lot of hype, maybe the most hype in recent history. The trio in Miami, the Lakers' chance at a 3-peat, Amar'e Stoudamire to the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul trade rumors and of course, the rookie of the year debate.
John Wall or Blake Griffin? That was the question.
Blake Griffin who had sat out his entire 1st year due to an injury in 2009, would remain eligible for rookie of the year along with John Wall, also drafted first in 2010 to the Washington Wizards. Two different positions, Wall a guard and Griffin a forward, was the root of many debates that leaned on to the theory that today's NBA is a guard's league, and big men are an after thought as far as having game changing performances. With Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap in Utah and Dwight Howard in Orlando, these are only a few examples that shoot down that theory.
Both Wall and Griffin will miss the playoffs this year with their teams having 2 of the worst records in the league, and had Wall not missed a slew of games mid-season, there may still be an argument here. However, the "Human Highlight Reel" or "Must See B.G." as Griffin is often called, will run away with the media and fans votes with his spectacular in game dunks and dominating play, albeit for a losing cause on most nights. Anyway you look at it, the debate is over. Griffin has proved he has earned the award by staying healthy and showing the world he is a franchise player that the Clippers will need to build around to compete in the playoffs and get out of the shadow of another Los Angeles team that you may have heard of.
John Wall or Blake Griffin? That was the question.
Blake Griffin who had sat out his entire 1st year due to an injury in 2009, would remain eligible for rookie of the year along with John Wall, also drafted first in 2010 to the Washington Wizards. Two different positions, Wall a guard and Griffin a forward, was the root of many debates that leaned on to the theory that today's NBA is a guard's league, and big men are an after thought as far as having game changing performances. With Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap in Utah and Dwight Howard in Orlando, these are only a few examples that shoot down that theory.
Both Wall and Griffin will miss the playoffs this year with their teams having 2 of the worst records in the league, and had Wall not missed a slew of games mid-season, there may still be an argument here. However, the "Human Highlight Reel" or "Must See B.G." as Griffin is often called, will run away with the media and fans votes with his spectacular in game dunks and dominating play, albeit for a losing cause on most nights. Anyway you look at it, the debate is over. Griffin has proved he has earned the award by staying healthy and showing the world he is a franchise player that the Clippers will need to build around to compete in the playoffs and get out of the shadow of another Los Angeles team that you may have heard of.
Rookie of the Year:
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Drafted 1st overall in the 2009 draft, Blake Griffin was the talk of the NBA. His performance at Oklahoma University had people saying that he would change the image of the league was once he hit the court. A knee injury during the preseason would unfortunately put all that on hold for a full season. Taking the time off to watch, learn and understand the game at a professional level, as well as keeping himself in great shape, Griffin started the season like a bull in a china shop.
The remarkable thing about Griffin is that he shows no fear or any signs of intimidation regardless of who he's facing. His 6'10 size surely has something to do with that mind set, but it's his passion for the game that has created such a large fan base. It has become clear that many have bought tickets to games simply to watch him dunk, this proven when the Clippers are on the road and the home crowd sighs when he misses a huge throw down.
His fan made Youtube montages show a lot of what you need to know about his game minus the rebounds, but clearly display his power and ferocity he puts behind every play. Even though he averages 22 points and 12 rebounds compared to John Wall's 16 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists, Hall of Fame, media and fan favorite analyst Charles Barkely said something very true. "Once he learns to play basketball, watch out". Charles Barkely is obviously not implying Griffin doesn't know his Xs and Os, but instead means that once Blake Griffin realizes he doesn't need to dunk every point and that highlights don't get you to the playoffs, he will become more valuable to his team in orchestrating wins.
That being said, he is still technically a rookie, and once this media crazy season is over, he can come back to earth and start focusing on winning games. Come to think of it, you can't blame him for wanting to make his presence known this season. Few people if any had the Clippers winning the title, so him having fun his rookie year is understandable, and after sitting out a whole season, he deserves to get a lot off his chest.
The remarkable thing about Griffin is that he shows no fear or any signs of intimidation regardless of who he's facing. His 6'10 size surely has something to do with that mind set, but it's his passion for the game that has created such a large fan base. It has become clear that many have bought tickets to games simply to watch him dunk, this proven when the Clippers are on the road and the home crowd sighs when he misses a huge throw down.
His fan made Youtube montages show a lot of what you need to know about his game minus the rebounds, but clearly display his power and ferocity he puts behind every play. Even though he averages 22 points and 12 rebounds compared to John Wall's 16 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists, Hall of Fame, media and fan favorite analyst Charles Barkely said something very true. "Once he learns to play basketball, watch out". Charles Barkely is obviously not implying Griffin doesn't know his Xs and Os, but instead means that once Blake Griffin realizes he doesn't need to dunk every point and that highlights don't get you to the playoffs, he will become more valuable to his team in orchestrating wins.
That being said, he is still technically a rookie, and once this media crazy season is over, he can come back to earth and start focusing on winning games. Come to think of it, you can't blame him for wanting to make his presence known this season. Few people if any had the Clippers winning the title, so him having fun his rookie year is understandable, and after sitting out a whole season, he deserves to get a lot off his chest.
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