The L.A. Clippers and Blake Griffin: Will He Help?

When Blake Griffin walked off of the floor after his Oklahoma Sooners' Elite Eight loss to the eventual national champion North Carolina Tar Heels, he had a tough decision to make. The National College Player of the Year could stay in Norman and help his university's team have another chance at a national title, or he could fulfil his dream and take his talent and 6'11" frame to the NBA.

After careful consideration with input from coach Jeff Capel, his parents, and his graduating brother Taylor, he chose to put his name in the draft.

Even before he decided, Griffin was projected to be the No. 1 pick overall in the 2009 NBA Draft,o after he made up his mind, it was more about which franchise would get lucky enough to nab him. The lottery balls rolled in the direction of the Los Angeles Clippers, a team that has for years been overshadowed by the mighty L.A. Lakers.

Of course, they want to change that, and the Clippers have already stated that they will choose Griffin with their first pick.

Which brings about the question: Will Blake Griffin have an immediate impact on this club?

I think he will, but with the Clippers having decent depth at the power forward position, I have to ask back: Will Griffin be able to take the starting spot from Zack Randolph?

The Clippers have some decent players, like Eric Gordon, Baron Davis, Marcus Camby, and Al Thorton. Blake should complete this talented starting lineup for the Clips; he's an outstanding player inside and he can handle the ball.

It should be interesting to see with Baron Davis in the midst of his post-prime, Eric Gordon wanting to make that 2008 draft class a lot more respected, and Griffin being new to the franchise and the entire league. Will the Clippers be able to balance out and make the Playoffs?