BLAKE GRIFFIN Age: 19 College: Oklahoma Position: Power Forward Height: 6-10 Weight: 245 Class: Sophomore

The unquestioned favorite to garner the No. 1 pick in the June draft. Griffin returned for his sophomore year and dominated the Big 12 by increasing his scoring and rebounding averages. The 6-10, 251-pound bruiser in the post has an NBA-ready body with extreme athleticism around the basket. Griffin is strong with his back to the basket and facing opposing defenders but he is most dangerous in the open floor, finishing above the rim. During March Madness, college basketball fans witnessed an impressive run from the Sooners as Griffin led Oklahoma to the Elite Eight, where they eventually fell to North Carolina. Griffin outplayed Tyler Hansbrough with 23 points and 16 boards after scoring 30, 33, and 28 in the previous rounds to further improve his draft stock.


The biggest knock on Griffin’s game is his lack of range from the perimeter. At the next level, Griffin may struggle when bigger and stronger defenders force him outside of the paint. A glaring issue for Griffin is the poor 59 percent clip at the free throw line. The team that decides to draft Griffin will expect him to improve at the charity stripe to take advantage of opportunities that his physical style presents. Consistent play on the defensive end of the floor was also a point of contention for the detractors.


The debate differs among teams in the war room regarding drafting for talent or need. On paper, Griffin does not fit a desired need for this Wolves' roster with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love suiting up at the power forward position. There is really no way to ignore Griffin's overwhelming talent, which could force Minnesota to take the best player on the board and worry about lineup adjustments during training camp. Griffin's athletic build is also attractive for this Wolves team after Kevin McHale installed an up tempo style of offense.


ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla on BLAKE GRIFFIN







Round 1: Oklahoma 82, Morgan St 54
Round 2: Oklahoma 73, Michigan 63
Round 3: Oklahoma 84, Syracuse 71
Round 4: UNC 72, Oklahoma 60


Chad Ford's Top 100
"Griffin has the size, strenght and athleticism that NBA teams covet in power players. Think Carlos Boozer with more hops. He's a tenacious rebounder and an improving offensive force. Teams believe he is the draft's one surefire elite prospect."

Draft Express
"Blake Griffin’s spot at the top of draft is more than justified by breaking down his advanced statistics, as it truly emphasizes just how impressive a prospect he is from a physical standpoint."

NBADraft.net
"Freak of nature, off the charts athletic specimen type ... The perfect storm of strength, athleticism and work ethic. It's rare to find elite level talent that also possesses the character and drive to outwork everyone ... Griffin has immense potential due to his superior athletic ability and his willingness to put the work in to improve ... A special talent and a special kid ... Never takes a play off."


Ford's Mock Draft
No. 1 to LA Clippers

NBADraft.net
No. 1 to LA Clippers

Draft Express
No. 1 to LA Clippers

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Reports Compiled By:

Jonah Ballow
Wolves Editor/Writer
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