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Prospect Profile: Blake Griffin

by Ricky Henne, nyknicks.com


Posted Apr 27 2009, 2:45 p.m.

May 28 2009 11:51AM
In the days leading up to the NBA's May 19 Draft Lottery, NYKnicks.com will look at the top-rated players potentially available to teams with lottery picks in the 2009 NBA Draft. We offer these profiles for fans to familiarize themselves with some of the biggest names in the draft. A player's inclusion in this series of articles is based purely on his rankings in the scouting services and mainstream media and does not necessarily reflect the Knicks organization's preferences for the June 25 Draft at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

We begin our series with a profile of Oklahoma's Blake Griffin, a top-two pick according to major scouting services and numerous publications.

  • Photo Gallery: Blake Griffin

    Last year, despite all indications he would be a top 10 pick, Blake Griffin shocked both NBA and draft pundits alike when he decided to head back to Oklahoma following a fantastic freshman year.

    Turns out Griffin knew what he was doing

    After an even more spectacular sophomore season averaging a Big Ten-best 22.7 points, 14.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 blocks, the 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward ran away with the major individual collegiate awards, including the John R. Wooden Award as college basketball’s top player, the Naismith Award and was named the Associated Press Basketball Player of the Year, amongst others.

    Now, those same pundits who a year ago questioned his decision, consider the Sooners star a consensus top two selection when June 25 rolls around.

    A big, bruising big man, Griffin’s physique draws instant comparisons to Utah Jazz All-Star Carlos Boozer. But what makes him special is his otherworldly athleticism, similar to the Suns’ Amare Stoudemire or a young Antonio McDyess. This unique combination makes him a nightmare for the opposition, as his multidimensional skill set allows him to either plow through or blow by defenders depending on the matchup.

    While he is an excellent finisher around the rim with explosive leaping ability, Griffin’s prowess on the glass is nothing short of extraordinary. His 30 double-doubles this season tied for second in NCAA history, just one behind David Robinson’s single season record of 31. His natural nose for the ball, high-motor and willingness to mix things up inside should make Griffin one of the top rebounders in the league immediately.

    Scouts are also taking notice of Griffin’s ability to step up when his team needs him. In the NCAA tournament, he averaged 28.5 points and 15 rebounds as the Sooners reached the regional finals. Despite falling to UNC, Griffin dominated last year’s Player of the Year Tyler Hansborough, recording 23 points and 16 boards in their highly anticipated one-on-one matchup.

    While a willing defender, the biggest knock on the Sooners star is his defensive prowess and lack of fundamentals. Still, scouts rave about Griffin’s work ethic, impressionable personality and drive to get better. With the proper NBA coaching, they are confident his defense will dramatically improve.

    Overall, Griffin is considered a legitimate blue-chip prospect with perhaps the highest upside for an interior player the draft has seen in a long time.

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