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LA Clippers: Blake Griffin is thriving as the go-to man thus far

By Zain Ahmed

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers attempts a shot over Boris Diaw #33 and Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz during a 97-95 Jazz win during the first half at Staples Center on April 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers attempts a shot over Boris Diaw #33 and Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz during a 97-95 Jazz win during the first half at Staples Center on April 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Blake Griffin is now the go-to man, and he’s striving for the LA Clippers

Blake Griffin when healthy is a top 3 power forward in the NBA, but the issue has been his health. Since entering the league, Griffin has had several injuries.

In just the past two years, Blake has torn his quad, broken his hand (punching a Clippers employee), had knee surgery and is coming off a broken toe. These injuries should take a toll on Blake, but they haven’t yet as Griffin is beginning to evolve his game.

Griffin was drafted 1st overall in the 2009 draft by the Clippers, however, he would not play until 2010 because of surprise injury. Blake shattered his kneecap in summer league and missed the 2009 season. Griffin would finally debut in 2010, and he did not disappoint. Griffin averaged a strong 22.5 PPG and 12.1 RPG easily winning Rookie of the Year.

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The next season, Chris Paul joined the Clippers via trade and the Clippers were immediately deemed contenders and were nicknamed “Lob City” due to Griffin’s high flying nature and Paul’s passing prowess. The first two years with Chris Paul, Blake did not put up numbers like he did his rookie year.

However, in the season where Paul missed extended time, Griffin showed what he was capable of. In the 2013-14 season, Blake Griffin averaged 24.1 PPG, 3.9 APG and 9.5 RPG. Griffin would finish third in MVP voting that season. Griffin would carry his regular season momentum over into the playoffs, as he averaged 23.5 PPG and 7.4 RPG, but the Clippers failed to advance past the second round again.

Blake’s 2014-15 season was shortened due to a staph infection and a trend would start from there. Griffin played in 67 games that season, but in the playoffs, he was absolutely unstoppable. Blake averaged 25.5 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 6.1 APG, absolutely incredible numbers for him because they were all career highs. Unfortunately, the season ended in heartbreak yet again.

After a thrilling series with the Spurs where the Clippers won in 7. The Clippers went up 3-1 on the Houston Rockets and were in prime position to advance as they were up by 20 in the 4th quarter of Game 5, but things did not go as planned. Los Angeles wound up losing that game and eventually the series. At that time a team had not blown a 3-1 lead in over 9 years.

The Clippers just were not the same following that epic meltdown.

The next two seasons would be injury-filled for Griffin as he would only play 96 games out of a possible 164. Griffin’s 2015-16 season was quite tumultuous and filled with controversy. First, Blake would suffer a torn quad. From there, Griffin would punch a Clippers staff member and break his hand, leading to him missing more time.

The 2016-17 season would wreak havoc on Griffin’s knee this time, as he would miss an extended period of time due to surgery on his right knee.

However, Blake’s injuries had no effect on his production. Griffin transformed his game over the next two years, developing a consistent jumper and crafty post moves. Griffin shot 33 percent from 3 over those two seasons and over 40 percent from midrange.

The playoffs would end the same way for Griffin in 2016 and 2017, with an injury. In 2016, Griffin and Paul both suffered injuries and it would lead to a first-round exit. Paul broke his hand on a steal attempt, and Blake reaggravated his quad injury.

In April 2017, Griffin broke his toe and would end up missing the rest of the series as the Clippers lost in 7 to Utah.

Flashforward to today, Chris Paul left in the summer to the Houston Rockets via trade. Through the trade, the Clippers acquired PG Pat Beverley, SG Lou Williams, SF Sam Dekker, PF/C Montrezl Harrell and a protected draft pick. Losing Paul is going to hurt, but the Clippers gained much-needed depth.

Everyone was wondering how Griffin will do without Paul and if he is capable of being the no.1 option. Well, since 2014 Griffin is averaging 21.2 PPG, 9,5 RPG, and 6.1 APG when Chris Paul is not on the court, according to NBA.com.

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Three games into the 2017 NBA season and Blake is looking better than he ever has. While it is a small sample size, Griffin looks confident and capable of leading a team. Griffin is averaging 26.7 PPG and 9.7 RPG, he most likely will not keep that pace, but don’t be surprised to see Blake’s numbers jump this year. I predict that Griffin will average 25/9/5 this season, he has the talent it just comes down to his health.

One thing is for sure, Blake is capable of leading the Clippers and he is ready to the league by storm. Just ask Julius Randle.