Blake Griffin to Re-Sign with Clippers for $173M over 5 years
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 5:22 pm
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.
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.