Blake Griffin has simply been sensational so far this season. There’s no other way to put it. Not only has he continued doing things on the court that no other big men can, but he’s enforcing every weapon in his arsenal better than ever. As the Los Angeles Clippers deal with uncertainty from their new bench during these early weeks, Griffin has been the man keeping things together. Both with his play and his constantly growing presence as a leader.
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He proved it last season, and rose above and beyond in the playoffs as he recorded three triple doubles including one in game seven of the first round against the San Antonio Spurs and another while Chris Paul was injured for the Houston Rockets series opener. He showcased his guard-like passing and ball handling more than ever, and he took control of the Clippers’ offense while recording 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game throughout the postseason.
Very few players in the NBA are capable of all that while notching three triple doubles in the process. As for big men? No one can do that.
Elite skill on the court isn’t the only thing that matters, though. To acknowledge just how much Blake Griffin is improving mentally and making a difference as a leader, Doc Rivers had the following to say (per Rowan Kavner of Clippers.com):
Doc on Blake: "His attitude and his approach and his leadership have been off the charts. For me, that’s what’s going to pay dividends.”
— Rowan Kavner (@RowanKavner) November 10, 2015
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It’s high praise, and it’s more than well deserved. There’s more than just his 28.6 points (4th in the league), 58.1 percent shooting, 10 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. There’s also more to notice than him ranking 2nd in the NBA so far with a player efficiency rating of 31.6. Although, that’s all pretty good, too. Yet there’s more.
It’s his attitude that can be seen in the way he talks to teammates, sets the tone, can run the offense in transition or in half-court, and can elevate his energy even further when it’s needed most. Plus, he’s showing the perfect level of aggressiveness to take over a game when he needs to. From attacking the paint by crossing up defenders to burying a jumper, Griffin has added so many elements to his game.
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The attitude to his team and improving his game has been beyond impressive. He’s grown as a vocal leader to prove everyone it’s not all down to Paul, and Griffin has quite possibly expanded his game more than any other player in the league over the last few seasons. He’s gone from being a player who admittedly relied on athleticism to score, to being the best ball-handling, passing big man in the NBA. And as for his scoring ability, he’s developed a deadly 18 foot jumper, post fadeaway, the ability to dribble and drive, and a terrifying spin move.
He can do everything the Clippers could ask of him in multiple ways.
Now, to take that growth even further, he’s become an excellent leader of this rebuilt Clippers squad. With Paul to lead by his side and far more depth with their new second unit, Doc’s roster looks more complete than ever. They just need time to work out the ideal lineups and adjust the bench play.
Ultimately, if they’re going to contend for the championship this season, Blake Griffin could be the primary reason why.