Blake Griffin: The Jordan-Barkley Experience

3 time All-Star, Blake Griffith

You can argue whether Kobe is better than Lebron. You can say that
Kevin Durant is the best pure scorer. You can safely predict that Chris Paul will be named among the great guards like Magic Johnson and John Stockton. But, you can't deny that Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers is a era-changing hybrid. Blessed with Michael Jordan's electrifying athleticism and Charles Barkley's ferocious disposition and an ever-expanded skill set, Blake Griffin is just simply a BEAST!

The Clippers were perennial cellar dwellers for decades, having only eight playoff seasons before Griffin was drafted in 2009. He sat out his entire rookie season with a knee injury, but came back strong to win Rookie of the Year and be selected as a rookie to the All-Star team. Griffith averaged a double double for 27 straight games, a Clippers record. Griffin proved durable playing all 82 games and leading all rookies in points (22.5). rebound (12.1) and double-doubles.

In his second full season, the Clippers acquired the NBA's best point guard in Chris Paul. Along with Caron Butler and the developing DeAndre Jordan, Griffin excelled under Paul's masterful court vision and put on nightly highlights of aerial dunks and acrobatic post moves. He, again played every game and improved his play.

In a comment after acquiring Paul, Griffith replied,"Yeah! Its' gonna be Lob City"! The team's high flying, fast pace, alley-oop game cemented the nickname "LOB CITY" and revitalized the franchise. The Clippers are a top 3 road draw in the NBA. You can spot several once-dormant fans clad in blue and red jerseys at every road games.

On there way to a playoff season, Griffith soared to new heights as a player and a marquee draw on the rode for the NBA. Griffin and DeAndre Jordan became highlight reels every game soaring above the rim with size and agility. Griffith nearly averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds per game. The Clippers beat Memphis in the first round. They recorded their best record (40-26) in franchise history.

2 for 1: Blake is a hybrid of Barkley's and Jordan's styles

Blake Griffin is a score first, nimble power forward who's high flight creativity is reminiscent of Michael Jordan. Like Jordan and Lebron, once in the air, Griffin is unstoppable. He has a freakish athleticism for a power forward. Like Charles Barkley, he possess above average ball handling skills, play making passes and the ability to beat his man down the floor with or without the ball.

His repertoire of post moves are due to exceptional footwork, an unearthly vertical leap and ferocious desire to win every play in the post. Known for sub par free throws, Blake has began to shoot 66% this year. The emergence of his outside 20 ft. jump shot is becoming consistent. This makes him even harder to guard.

While winning the Slam Dunk Contest in his rookie year, Griffin not only jumped across a Kia Optima sports sedan to win, he glided right into the big screen as an endorsement darling for Kia, Jordan Brand and Subway. He is featured nationally as the star of the "From the Future" commercials with Kia. His recognition in Los Angeles and abroad has begun to rival NBA playing legend, Kobe Bryant.

Hollywood's newest star? Griffins marketability is rising to Kobe's former levels. But Bryant is still King of L.A.

With a straight faced humor, Superman appeal and witty come back lines, look to see plenty more of him in the future. The Clippers are a deep team this year with smart acquisition's like leading sixth man Jamaal Crawford and former Laker talent, Matt Barnes. Griffin's minutes are down over 5 minutes per contests. So look for him and the Clippers to be healthy and rested for an extensive playoff push. I strongly suggest you do what every opposing fan does: Catch the game, root for your team, but anticipate jumping out of your seat cheering a few amazing plays courtesy of Flight 32.