Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 12, 2016 19:24:10 GMT -5
Since it is a possibility that Blake Griffin might be on our team, lets share how we feel about him as a player and a person.
Up until an hour ago, I was on the fence about how I felt about him as a player. Everyone knows about his dunking ability -- highlight reel caliber leaping and finishing capability, in spectacular fashion. He's an exciting finisher who can ignite the crowd, home fans and visiting fans alike. But other than that, I was unsure how I felt about him as a low post scorer, as a pick and roll/pick and pop game, and as a perimeter shooter. I've seen him play many times, and I've seen him make plays in the post, and hit elbow jumpers, but I can't say he was outstanding in any of those areas.
When rumors began surfacing about Ainge going after Blake, I had to think about it. I was thinking more about the possibility of getting DeMarcus Cousins, a true low post scorer, a big time rebounder. But why Blake? why not Cousins?
I had to reason and think like Ainge. Why would he target Blake?
Then it dawned on me that Griffin, more than Cousins, fits the new way of playing basketball. The league is quickly moving away from the slow paced halfcourt oriented game of the 80's (which is more Cousins' style). Now, its about pushing the tempo, running down the court, and taking the game to the perimeter.
Look no further than the Warriors. Their style of play is how many teams are going to model their own games after. And look at how they utilize the role of the PF -- Draymond Green handles the ball a lot and takes a lot of 3's. He often pulls down a rebound, jets up the floor with guard-like skills and leads the offense, leaving Curry, Klay and Barnes free to roam for an open 3.
Blake Griffin is capable of doing just that, though not at Draymond's level. Griffin can leap for a rebound, in midair turn his body so that he can hit the ground and run, power dribble down the court and lead the offense. Not many big men can keep up with Blake.
Check out these highlights of Blake's guard skills.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMGFPGxBtF4
If this is the reason why Ainge is targeting Blake Griffin, I can get behind this trade (depending on who we have to give up).
Up until an hour ago, I was on the fence about how I felt about him as a player. Everyone knows about his dunking ability -- highlight reel caliber leaping and finishing capability, in spectacular fashion. He's an exciting finisher who can ignite the crowd, home fans and visiting fans alike. But other than that, I was unsure how I felt about him as a low post scorer, as a pick and roll/pick and pop game, and as a perimeter shooter. I've seen him play many times, and I've seen him make plays in the post, and hit elbow jumpers, but I can't say he was outstanding in any of those areas.
When rumors began surfacing about Ainge going after Blake, I had to think about it. I was thinking more about the possibility of getting DeMarcus Cousins, a true low post scorer, a big time rebounder. But why Blake? why not Cousins?
I had to reason and think like Ainge. Why would he target Blake?
Then it dawned on me that Griffin, more than Cousins, fits the new way of playing basketball. The league is quickly moving away from the slow paced halfcourt oriented game of the 80's (which is more Cousins' style). Now, its about pushing the tempo, running down the court, and taking the game to the perimeter.
Look no further than the Warriors. Their style of play is how many teams are going to model their own games after. And look at how they utilize the role of the PF -- Draymond Green handles the ball a lot and takes a lot of 3's. He often pulls down a rebound, jets up the floor with guard-like skills and leads the offense, leaving Curry, Klay and Barnes free to roam for an open 3.
Blake Griffin is capable of doing just that, though not at Draymond's level. Griffin can leap for a rebound, in midair turn his body so that he can hit the ground and run, power dribble down the court and lead the offense. Not many big men can keep up with Blake.
Check out these highlights of Blake's guard skills.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMGFPGxBtF4
If this is the reason why Ainge is targeting Blake Griffin, I can get behind this trade (depending on who we have to give up).
