Blake Griffin to Re-Sign with Clippers for $173M over 5 years

[madmaxmedia]

I originally wrote this in the Jerry West thread, but really would like to open this to its own discussion.

Blake Griffin became the savior of our franchise, putting us back on the NBA map when we drafted him in 2009. And I think Blake Griffin is actually going to be the key to the franchise's success going forward. I know his limits, but I am wondering if Jerry West can help guide Blake's offseasons to help him develop his game, so that his on-court impact can match (or come close to matching) the impact of his highlight reels.

Of our big 3, he's the one who I could see still being a big part of this team 3 years from now. I am starting to think CP3 is going to bolt, I don't blame him if he does. I've always liked DJ, but if CP3 leaves I would look to get younger pieces in return for DJ that are a better fit with Blake. That leaves Blake, who I believe wants to stay here for a couple of reasons, but also because he likes being in LA for the endorsement deals. Until now I've been relatively mixed in terms of him staying on a huge contract, but I now think there could be a way forward.

We all know Blake can do a few things really well, and has also worked hard to add new elements to his game. But I don't think all the pieces have come together to create a player with true superstar impact, the kind of guy who can carry his team on his back for a stretch of games. Whatever the gradual declines in his physical talents going forward, he's still going to be a physical beast for awhile, so I'm actually not as worried about that. It would be great to extend his shot to the 3-point line, but I think it's going to be all the 'awkward' aspects of his game that need to be improved, and can be with Blake's work ethic, sharp coaching, and a dedicated plan in place. I used to think the problem was the inherent limitations in his game (short arms, over-reliance on athleticism, whatever, etc.) but I think there are significant things yet to be worked on.

I haven't fully thought out exactly what I mean by 'awkward', but I think those of you who have watched a lot of him over the years will know what I mean. Right now, when defenses clamp down in 4th quarters he is often relegated to a competent but tentative mid-range shooter, and he needs to (and IMO can) be much more than that. I think he needs to overall become much faster with the ball and with ball decisions. It's not that he is mentally slow, rather he always wants to get the ball and then size up the defense to either drive, shoot, or pass. The problem is that gives the defense time to adjust, and makes it harder for Blake to attack in the half-court. He can also learn to be more effective off the all, so that when he gets the ball he can immediately shoot, attack, or swing the ball. He can play, move, and think with the mindset of a smart, efficient small forward, rather than the post up big guy who must crouch and gather every time he touches the ball. The quicker he plays, I think the more inside opportunities he will actually get as well.

These aren't rote skills he can practice in isolation in a gym, it has to be done with proper coaching and film, and also takes a concerted effort with overall team offense and plays. It's not changing muscle memory, but it is changing/adjusting 'brain memory' and a lot of the instincts that have become ingrained in his game. It's not something you just incrementally do by working harder, it requires a change in approach and strategy. It would have never happened with only Doc who is focused on grinding and working harder, I am hoping something like this can happen now with Jerry's oversight.

[Ranma]

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[thanumba2clippersfan]

Soon we'll see if he wants to stay with us or not. I was more confident during the season, but I'm not as confident now. I'm sure all of out recent playoff exits can be frustrating. I personally would like to have him back and not go into rebuild mode possibly.

My hope is that either Chris and/or Blake will be back next season. I can understand if they both leave, but I'd rather us to try to win. It could be a long season without those two.

[og15]

How frustrating can they be though when he's not even on the floor? You know the Houston series killed him, but the last two playoffs he's had season ending injuries, so his frustration would come even before the team had lost and from the injury more so than the loss.

It's really difficult to predict what players are thinking, so I have no clue. Only about a week now though and we'll find out.

Sent from my LG-D852 using RealGM mobile app

[Green_teamer]

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[nickhx2]

could be true. could be not true.

first i ever heard of him having those feelings either about cp3 or the org. i'd be disinclined to believe any of it.

[Ranma]

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[Green_teamer]

could be true. could be not true.

first i ever heard of him having those feelings either about cp3 or the org. i'd be disinclined to believe any of it.

Schultz is usually pretty legit

[Roscoe Sheed]

could be true. could be not true.

first i ever heard of him having those feelings either about cp3 or the org. i'd be disinclined to believe any of it.

Schultz is usually pretty legit

Well that sucks if true. The clippers needed to keep this team together and improve their weaknesses. They can't really afford to lose either player.

I wonder if cp3 or Griffin's plans are contingent on each other at all. Meaning if it's true that they don't like each other, would one stay if he knows the other is leaving?

[og15]

If that is the case, then it is time to chose. The management needs to figure out who makes more sense, etc and then work all angles to sign and trade the other one if they will agree to it. If not and they chose neither, then we need to start planning the tank.

[nickhx2]

i kind of have a bad feeling about cp3. not anything i'd put a bet on but the usual irrational predictive fear one might have in this situation.

if both leave then this team will be in some deep doo doo for some time. and all the idiots screaming "blow it up!" will see just how limited our resources are in actually rebuilding. and of course the monumental stupidity in letting a star leave for nothing when you are starved for assets.

[Neddy]

if they both come back, great, we have our contender back, no matter how small the window, we still have a shot.

if only one of them return, great, it will be fun watching this team still make it to the playoffs, and if it is Blake, it will be fun to see him make the next leap. if it is CP, it will be exciting to consider the possibilities of recruitment of Lebron, Wade, and Melo.

if none of them comes back, it may suck for a few years but great, we have the best basketball mind in West, richest owner in Steve, and Doc will most likely bail if we rebuild.

I think it is a win-win-win scenario if you are a true clipper fan.

[Roscoe Sheed]

if they both come back, great, we have our contender back, no matter how small the window, we still have a shot.

if only one of them return, great, it will be fun watching this team still make it to the playoffs, and if it is Blake, it will be fun to see him make the next leap. if it is CP, it will be exciting to consider the possibilities of recruitment of Lebron, Wade, and Melo.

if none of them comes back, it may suck for a few years but great, we have the best basketball mind in West, richest owner in Steve, and Doc will most likely bail if we rebuild.

I think it is a win-win-win scenario if you are a true clipper fan.

I get what you are saying but I feel like it would be a huge letdown if both of them leave especially with the timing of the Lakers seeming to be recovering. True having Ballmer at least you know he cares. I just feel like it is very important to at least keep 1 and hopefully both

[Ranma]

I'm conflicted about a few things. Before I proceed, I'm going to acknowledge that Griffin opting out with Paul expected to officially do so as well were both anticipated for a while now from a business standpoint. There does seem to be some legitimate concerns whether there is a riff between Griffin and Paul, Paul entertaining thoughts of joining a Texas team, or Griffin having wanderlust to join the Celtics' faithful.

As I said in the "Chris Paul Opts Out" thread, I actually think there's some truth to the talk of there being a disconnect between Griffin and Paul. If push came to shove, my preferred choice would easily be CP3.

While I would agree with Griffin possibly resenting Paul's closeness to Doc being guilty of the shared responsibility for the Clippers not getting over the hump these past 3 seasons or so, it's not like Griffin himself has not been at fault for turmoils that have squandered our opportunities. BG may long for the adoration and affection Paul Pierce receives from Boston Celtics fans, but what has he done to earn any of that for himself? Griffin constantly gets injured and was reluctant to work on his post game with Hakeem Olajuwon early on in his career. Dude even punched out a team employee and supposed close friend because he was insecure about his own sense of self during a stretch when the team was doing well without him.

Speaking of which, the Clippers as a team play better with Paul when Griffin is out than they do with Griffin when Paul is out. He certainly has more to prove to Clippers fans than vice versa. I'd also be careful if I were him if he wants to continue to produce movies and make more commercials. Just ask Baron Davis and Elton Brand how fickle Hollywood can be when you leave the L.A. scene and continue to trend downward as an NBA player.

Whatever the case may be, Chris Paul may be older and less athletic, but he certainly provides more value to a team than Griffin does. On top of that, LeBron James is more likely to join a team with Chris Paul on it than one with Blake Griffin in a vacuum. Of course, Griffin is young and talented enough to turn things around toward realizing his full potential, but in my opinion, it is likelier for the Point God to be more productive over the next few years than the former Flying Lion.

I agree with both Neddy and og15 that we have options to move forward in the right direction in whatever scenario that plays out. Ideally, we'd re-sign both even if only to trade one as an asset, but losing Paul to me, signals that we should go into a full rebuild regardless of whether Griffin comes back or not. Even if only Griffin leaves, I'd still look to trade DeAndre Jordan as he is becoming a depreciating talent and asset. Heck, I'd prefer to trade DJ even if both CP and BG re-sign.

[Green_teamer]

I don't really follow you guys much but wouldn't you rather have Blake Griffin instead of Paul if push came to shove? Hes a few years younger...home grown talent. I mean right now Paul is obviousily better but will he still be better in 3 years?

[Neddy]

but losing Paul to me, signals that we should go into a full rebuild regardless of whether Griffin comes back or not.

agreed.

[TucsonClip]

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Word of advice, take anything this guys says with a grain of salt. I know for a fact he takes stories that get floated around that most other media outlets/reporters wont take, because they know its garbage info.

[TucsonClip]

could be true. could be not true.

first i ever heard of him having those feelings either about cp3 or the org. i'd be disinclined to believe any of it.

Schultz is usually pretty legit

Nope

[Green_teamer]

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Word of advise, take anything this guys says with a grain of salt. I know for a fact he takes stories that get floated around that most other media outlets/reporters wont take, because they know its garbage info.

He broke a trade a couple days ago

[UKClipperfan]

Not good. Was holding out hope that both would resign with Melo added to the mix. Don't think one leaving one staying would signal full rebuild tho, but a step back to maintain cap flexibility for free agency 2018.