Blake Griffin's Whining Is Holding Back Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin has garnered a new reputation around the NBA this season, and it's not exactly one he should be hoping to keep throughout the course of his career.

Some have referred to him as a flopper; others have called him an actor; and it's becoming increasingly clear that his theatrics on the court have become a consistent part of his game.

It's not a good look for such a phenomenally talented young player.

Griffin isn't a superstar, but he is a star. His incredible athleticism allows him to make plays that the majority of his peers simply can't fathom, and his arrival has rejuvenated the "other" Los Angeles franchise.

However, if Griffin has his sights set on turning the Clippers into a legitimate title contender or ever blossoming into an even better player, the whining has got to step.

He's constantly looking for a call from the referees even when there isn't one to be made.

Don't get me wrong—I'm not knocking Griffin for wanting to get to the stripe more often. That is something he should be working to do, but this new element of Griffin's approach is not something we saw from him previously.

Griffin got to the line a solid 7.1 times per game during the regular season. That is a higher rate than Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade or Derrick Rose.

However, Griffin made just 244 of 468 attempts from the line this season, good for 52.1 percent. If he's looking to get to the line more often, he's got to be more effective when he gets there.

The term "flop city" (a play off of "lob city") has characterized Griffin's play at times this season. He's been seen flopping and overreacting to contact, and it's grown rather tiresome to watch.

Griffin tried to make his power play through the media earlier this season (via Orange County Register).

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"I’m definitely sick of taking hard hits. There’s a point, I can’t remember what game it was, in my mind where I thought this is kind of ridiculous. I’m sick of it, but it’s going to keep on happening. It’s affected me this year a lot, especially with the referees."

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I'm not suggesting Griffin should be absorbing additional punishment beneath the rim, but he's a big man in the league and is going to get his opposition's best effort every single night.

As someone with a reputation to dunk over the defense and make a regular appearance in the highlight reel, Griffin should be expecting contact in an attempt to slow him down.

If he's going to play that style of game, Griffin needs to understand that it's time to toughen up.

Considering how frequently he visited the foul line this season, it's not as if Griffin is getting accosted and receiving no calls—but his quotes certainly make it sound that way.

If Griffin wants to elevate both his game and his team, it's time to drop the vendetta against the officiating and speak with his on-court play.

He's got more than enough ability to do exactly that.