NBA Rumors: Why LA Clippers Need Blake Griffin on 2012 USA Olympic Team

The Los Angeles Clippers need superstar leaper Blake Griffin to spend some time with the 2012 USA Olympic squad. 

For all the physical talents the former first overall pick boasts, Griffin needs to learn how to be a winner, and that can only come from being around winners, and actually winning. There's arguably no better place in the world to do both than with the Red, White and Blue in London this summer.

According to ESPN.com, "Griffin is likely the only player who wasn't part of the 2008 Olympic squad or the 2010 world championship roster that will be considered for the 2012 roster."

It's no wonder why USA Basketball would consider Griffin for their roster. At age 22, Griffin is young, athletic and superbly talented. He's averaging 25.2 PPG and 9.6 RPG for the Clippers this season.

Griffin has yet to develop into a go-to guy offensively, but spending time around other established NBA and International superstars will no doubt rub off on him.

Griffin already plays with two Team USA ballers in Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups, and his experience with the national team would build upon the leadership and experience already in LA's locker room.

The star power forward needs to learn how to win games though, how to close out teams even when the result seems meaningless. Team USA is constantly blowing out third world countries in scrimmages that have no bearing on medals or standings, but that doesn't stop them from exerting their dominance.

That's the trait Griffin can gain by playing with the 2012 USA Olympic team. He can learn how to win games, and championships rather than slam dunk titles and Rookie of the Year awards. 

That's not to knock Griffin's accomplishments during his short time in the league, but instead to prove that he still has ways to go before being considered a winner, or a champion. He has the confidence and at times the demeanor, but he's lacking the experience of playing against the world's best and coming up big.

A strong majority of the league's winning superstars play for their country. Kobe Bryant, Manu Ginobili and Dirk Nowitzki are just a few examples of leaders that have taken their experiences as an International player with them to the NBA Finals and beyond.