The Leadership of Blake Griffin Could Make or Break the LA Clippers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 24: Austin Rivers
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 24: Austin Rivers
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 24: Austin Rivers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 24: Austin Rivers

With Chris Paul out of the picture, is Blake Griffin capable of being the LA Clippers’ leader both on and off the floor?

Since making his debut for the Clippers back in 2010, Blake Griffin has never had to be the number one guy for the Clippers. LA’s acquisition of Chris Paul immediately after Griffin’s rookie season allowed the power forward to play second fiddle behind Paul, never having to carry the team by himself (except when Paul was injured). The Clippers have also always had quality veteran players on the roster that provided the team with much-needed leadership off the court and in the locker room, including Paul. But with most of the team’s veterans with other teams this season, the Clippers have been left with a team where one of their rookies is their second oldest player (Milos Teodosic at 30-years-old). With a new roster assembled, the Clippers will have to turn to their franchise player to lead the team in both facets, but the question remains, is Griffin ready?