Blake Griffin: Is Blake the Great a Top 3 Power Forward Already?
Already in the early portion of the 2010-2011 NBA season, Blake Griffin has amazed us with amazing highlights. But those highlights aren't the only thing he has been doing great. He has developed a smooth mid-range jumper, he is an underrated passer, and he is a heck of a teammate. He is part Blake, part Dominique, part Dwight Howard, part amazing. He has the tools to be one of the greatest ever, and so far, he has shown that isn't going too far.
But where does he rank right now with some of today's power forwards? Is he better than Dirk? Better than Pau? Better than everyone?
4. Timberwolves Kevin Love
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This might catch people off by surprise, but Kevin Love is playing great basetball this year. He is proving that what he lacks in height, he makes up for having a wide body and great boxing out technique. He is proving he has a very good offensive game to go along with those rebounds. His defense is average to above average, and will only improve with the Timberwolves getting better players around him. He had a 30-30 game just a couple weeks ago, and people still don't think he is better than an Amar'e or Chris Bosh. This kid is one of the best rebounders in the league if not the best.
| 2010-11 STATS | |||
| PPG | RPG | BPG | |
| 18.6 | 14.9 | 0.5 | |
He has the tools to be an all-star, but just doesn't have the star power like an Amar'e or Chris Bosh. He is one of the best all-around players in the league. Give the man his credit, it is do.
3. Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki
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Dirk has proved time and time again, he is one of the best offensive players in the game. Yes, you can say he should grab more rebounds, but for a guy whose offense runs through him, I think he grabs enough for his team. The way he plays, doesn't allow him to grab 10+ rebounds a year. He doesn't mind getting physical also. He is one of the best, if not the best Euro player to play the game. He is unstoppable night in and night out, but he just isn't the all-around player the 2 people in front of him are.
| 2010-11 STATS | |||
| PPG | RPG | BPG | |
| 24.8 | 7.9 | 0.7 | |
He is an amazing player, but just not as good a defender and rebounder than the next two guys, but that isn't all his fault.
2. Clippers Blake Griffin
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Blake the Great. Blake the Amazing. or just Blake. Call him whatever you want, but the kid has game, and he isn't afraid to show it. After sitting out his entire first year due to a broken kneecap, he has came out this year like he got shot out of a cannon. He has already put his name in for dunk of the year and rookie of the year. And he plays for the, get this, the Clippers. Still? Yes, still. He has developed a good enough back-to-the-basket game for teams to double him at times, leaving others open. He is an underrated passer so far in his young career. He has the leaping ability of, if not better than LeBron and Dwight Howard. He is second in the league in double-doubles, and he is a human highlight night in and night out.
| 2010-11 STATS | |||
| PPG | RPG | BPG | |
| 20.7 | 11.6 | 0.5 | |
It might be early, but this kid has everything to be the greatest ever. Of course playing for the Clippers, you can blow out a knee at any time. Knock on wood.
1. Lakers Pau Gasol
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Pau Gasol is without a doubt the most complete power forward in the game. Period. He plays great defense, individually and help defense, he is one of the most gifted offensively, and he is a great passer. And he still has so many years left in his career. He still doesn't get enough credit because he is playing with a guy named Mamba.
| 2010-11 STATS | ||
PPG | RPG | BPG |
| 20.4 | 11.9 | 2 |
He will be hard to beat until he retires, but he does have some talent breathing down his neck for #1.
