Blake Griffin: The NBA's Most Valuable Asset

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DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 25: Forward Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers takes a shot against Brendan Haywood #33 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 25, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

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The 2010 All-Star weekend is officially Blake Griffin's coming out party. As the event unfolds on his home turf, he will be plenty busy headlining the Rookie Challenge, the Dunk Contest and will become the first rookie since Yao Ming to play in the All-Star Game.

We’ve all watched the highlight reels as this 21-year-old prodigy defies gravity time and time again.

But there is more to Blake Griffin than his string of nasty dunks.

As the son of a high school coach, Griffin plays the game with a level of intelligence and toughness that few possess. Read along to discover the five reasons why Blake Griffin has quickly become the NBA’s Most Valuable Asset.

Blake Griffin Over LeBron James

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 16: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat talks to teammates LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #3 during a timeout in a game against the Toronto Raptors on February 16, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Heat defeate

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Whatever happened to LeBron's 2010 Dunk Contest guarantee? Anyone who tries to tell you that LeBron is the King needs to explain why he won't compete in a dunk contest, why he doesn't like to take the last shot, and why he felt the need to become a sidekick to D Wade!

Blake Griffin Over Kobe Bryant

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball up the court against the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on February 14, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User express

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Kobe had a hard time with Michael Jordan in his early years but Blake had no trouble at all with Kobe.

January 16th against the Lakers was a defining moment for Blake as he notched 18 points, 15 rebounds and got ejected in the final moments as he refused to back down to a condescending Lamar Odom.

Blake Griffin is one of those hard-nosed players who gets better when he gets mad. We saw it in this Lakers game and we saw it against the Heat when Mario Chalmers made the mistake of crossing his path.

As the defending champ, Kobe is the man but his advanced age makes him less valuable than the 21-year-old Griffin. The edge goes to Blake.

Blake Griffin Overcomes Adversity

LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 28: Injured forward Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers greets a teammate during a time out against the Phoenix Suns on October 28, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Suns won 109-107. NOTE TO USER: U

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Sitting out the 2009-2010 season was a blessing in disguise for the young superstar. The pent-up energy and enthusiasm for the game has unleashed a beast like we haven't seen in a long time.

Watching Griffin, you know that he plays each game as if it's his last. He doesn't take the game for granted like some.

Blake Griffin Has the Stats To Back Up the Highlights

MIAMI - FEBRUARY 06: Forward Blake Griffin #32 of the L.A. Clippers dunks against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 6, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using thi

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Averaging 22.8 points per game along with 12.6 rebounds is quite a start! Even more impressive are the double-doubles he has produced against every other All-Star big man.

Yes, we know his highlights are an important asset, but he's one of the few who can consistently amaze on a nightly basis.