Five Things Learned from the Clippers Preseason

October 24, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots against the defense of Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Freeland (19) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

1) Blake Griffin is better than ever … like, realllllly better

For every player, there’s always a “when ___ gets that _____, we’re gonna be in trouble”.

For LeBron James pre-Miami Heat, the scenario was “when LeBron James gets a consistent jump shot, we’re gonna be in trouble.”

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For Paul George before his breakout season it was “when Paul George gets control of his handle …”

For Blake Griffin, it was always a matter of improving his defense or improving his jump shot. The defense doesn’t seem to be nearing elite levels, but the jump shot has drawn a lot of attention.

Griffin has yet to reach Dirk Nowitzki levels, but if his preseason shooting carries over the NBA is in trouble. In the preseason, Griffin led the league in points per game at 23.43, shooting 51% from the field. Griffin’s three-point experimentation didn’t take the next step, but the added threat of a mid-range jump shot has the potential to open up the entire floor, especially when being paired with one of the twin towers.

That’s, well, really good and the Clippers, especially with thing #2, are gonna need every bit of this come Thursday.