Blake Griffin's knee puts CP3 closer to ATL

[Jamaaliver]

Blake Griffin injured his knee during Team USA's Wednesday scrimmage and is returning to Los Angeles to be examined by team doctors.

Griffin reportedly 'twisted' his knee and the extent of the injury is unclear. Griffin will undergo an MRI as soon as possible.

The injury is on his left knee, the same one he injured during the playoffs.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/222277/Griffin_Injures_Knee_Anthony_Davis_Called_Back_To_Las_Vegas

The only thing keeping these Clippers with CP3 from becoming the old Hornets with CP3 is Blake Griffin. His knee getting injured, again, has to add doubts to the long term viability of the Clippers.

If we keep this team intact this year, make a good show in the regular season and playoffs, and if Danny Ferry can make the sales pitch of a lifetime next summer...CP3 FINALLY might don a Hawks uniform.

I've had my doubts, but I'm starting to think it could actually happen.

Three biggest issues:

1. Keeping our two bigs in ATL on manageable contracts
2. Flipping teague for a young prospect on a good contract
3. and most importantly, finding a proven coach to make it all work on the court (Van Gundy, Sloan)

[hotrod]

Huh? Griffin hurts his knee and suddenly CP3 wants to be a Hawk? Completely ridiculous. You might as well suggest the Bobcats. At least he would have a reason to play at home in front of his family.

[Jamaaliver]

Huh? Griffin hurts his knee and suddenly CP3 wants to be a Hawk? Completely ridiculous.

I understand your skepticism. This was more for the local Hawks fans, but I'll take the time to explain.

1. Years ago, CP3 had a tryout for the Hawks before the 2005 draft and it reportedly went really well. Paul has stated on record that he had hoped to come to Atlanta. He loves the city, it's close to his hometown (somewhat) and we had a young nucleus for him to grow with. We instead took Marvin Williams.

2. The Clippers have been notoriously cheap for decades, thusly, CP3 is reluctant to re-sign there for fear their leadership is satisfied with simply being pretty good instead of contending for a championship.

3. Since we've cleared out Joe Johnson (and his ridiculously large contract) and Marvin Williams, it allows us to pursue two (2) top free agents next summer and to find a new coach that year as well.

4. CP3 is the top free agent next year and there will be few competitive teams out there with the money that we have. We've already been rumored to be pursuing Dwight Howard though he has no desire to come here. It's been widely speculated by league insiders that we will pursue CP3 as a max free agent as well.

The less likely he is to re-sign in LA, the better our chances to land him. There won't be a better option for him to sign as a max free agent and still land with a competitive team.

Our new GM has given us new direction with high hopes.

[GrimeyKidd]

Teague is okay as a hawk.

[Jamaaliver]

I agree. I like Teague very much. But if we have CP3, there is suddenly very little need for him here.

I could see him bringing back a late lottery pick or starting SF.

[Rip2137]

Well, he didn't twist his knee the first time, he broke his kneecap, which is a completely different injury. so its not like he retore a ACL or something.

[Jamaaliver]

Understood. But this injury is to the same knee. He also injured this same knee during the playoffs, though he did play through the pain. But if he is forced to miss any time this season and the Clippers struggle because of it, who knows what actions their management might take.

As much as we complain about ASG, Donald Sterling is still hands down the worst owner in pro sports.

[ATL Boy]

The Stars are in allignment for this team

[MaceCase]

1) Don't know the extent of the knee injury. He's not getting paid 100 million dollars to play for Team USA so all of this could just be precautionary.

2) LA not having Blake means Paul is more likely to aggravate his own knee injuries trying to carry that team. He's not going to quit and say "**** it, I'll save myself for Atlanta".

3) Off the top of my head Dallas, Phoenix, Portland, Detroit & Houston would have cap to sign him too. None could offer him as much as LA, though.

[dtown8]

if CP was %90 sure of staying, he might be %89 - %85 sure of staying now. it is not a lot, but good new rather than bad news for the Hawks.

but yeah, if Griffin turns into the next Roy or Oden, then CP is leaving LA for sure.

[biggyfuzz]

no it doesn't

[Jamaaliver]

Update:

Just heard on ESPN that Blake Griffin has suffered a torn meniscus and is set to undergo Arthroscopic Surgery next week. The recovery time is 8-10 weeks and Griffing is expected to be ready i time for training camp.