LeBron James vs. Blake Griffin: Could the Clippers' Stud Surpass the Heat Star?
LeBron James may be the best player in the NBA, but there are several rising stars looking to seize his throne. Most notably, Los Angeles Clippers' power forward, Blake Griffin.
Blake—already achieving Madonna-esque one-name status in Los Angeles and around the league—has been tearing up the NBA during his rookie season, displaying his studliness yet again during All-Star Weekend.
Still, James has been dominant for a while now and Blake obviously has a long way to go before he's mentioned in the same breath.
Does Blake have what it takes to be better than LeBron? Or at least have a better career?
Let's see...
Yes: Blake Is Having a Better Rookie Season
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Blake is having a better rookie year than LeBron did.
Griffin—22.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 51 percent FG
James—20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 42 percent FG
Here's the kicker though: Griffin's PER of 22.42 is far superior to LeBron's 18.30.
Young Blake is outperforming young LeBron, being more productive and more efficient. As even more evidence, James was not selected as an All-Star his rookie year whereas Griffin was.
No: 21-Year-Old LeBron Was Better Than 21-Year-Old Blake
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Although Blake is having a better rookie season, we must remember that LeBron entered the league directly out of high school.
At age 21, Griffin has had one year of college basketball to improve his skills and, although he missed a full NBA season with an injury, he used that time to really learn the pro game.
LeBron didn't turn 21 until his third year in the league, when he averaged 31.4 points, 7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and a much improved 48 percent FG. Moreover, he bumped his PER all the way up to 28.17.
As you can see, LeBron matured enormously during his first couple years in the league and was farther along at the same age.
Yes: Blake Is As Athletic As LeBron
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One of the reasons LeBron is so special is that he is a freak of nature, with a definitive athletic advantage (whether size or speed) over the rest of the league.
Blake is that rare guy whose athleticism is in the same ballpark as King James'. He is extremely explosive, strong and quick; especially for his size. Few power forwards can keep up with him. Just like LeBron, Griffin has a huge upper-hand in the athleticism department.
Blake also possesses a nonstop motor that allows him to fully utilize his physical tools. He runs the floor with purpose, attacks the rim with abandon, and chases loose balls with recklessness.
Oh by the way, did you see him in the dunk contest?!
No: LeBron Is More Talented Than Blake
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LeBron is unique player with a once-in-a-generation skill set, a modern day Magic Johnson or Oscar Robertson.
His combination of scoring ability, ball handling adeptness, court vision, and basketball IQ make him the best all-around threat in the league. LeBron can kill you in so many ways, and he also makes his teammates much better.
You could write a dissertation on LeBron's capabilities. And just look at what happened to the Cavs when he left.
Yes: Blake's Ceiling Could Be Higher
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I know this might sound preposterous, but what if Blake's ceiling is higher than LeBron's? Hear me out.
Blake is putting up ridiculous stats and destroying opponents with a limited offensive repertoire, an undeveloped outside jumper and an inconsistent foul shot. Right now he relies mostly on his quickness, finishing ability and effort to get buckets.
Imagine if Griffin refines a couple more post moves, such as a jump hook, and improves his shooting. Do you realize how dangerous he will become?
Blake could conceivably average 30 and 15 a couple years down the road.
No: There Is Too Much Talent in the League
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With the influx of young talent in the NBA, it will be difficult for Blake to garner as many individual awards as LeBron.
LeBron has already won two MVPs and been named to the All-NBA First Team four times. Very few guys win multiple MVPs. For example, Kobe and Shaq haven't even though they each spent a handful of years ruling the league.
The NBA is more stacked than it has been in decades. At Blake's position of power forward alone, there are so many up-and-coming stars (Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge) not to mention the established greats.
It's highly unlikely that Blake garners a trophy collection to rivals LeBron's and, whether it's right or not, the public and the media often judge players' careers largely by individual awards.
Yes: Blake Can Turn the Clippers into Champions
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Blake is currently viewed as the Los Angeles Clippers' savior; the guy who will take the most bungling team in NBA history and turn them into champions.
Hmm...sounds like someone we know, doesn't it? LeBron was Cleveland's knight in shining armor, especially because he grew up in nearby Akron. Although now, James might as well be named Judas as he deserted the Cavs before taking them to the promised land.
Even if James wins it all, he will always be remembered for not being able to get it done in Cleveland.
On the other hand, if Griffin can successfully lead the Clippers to a title, he will go down in NBA and LA history as the one player who defeated the evil Donald Sterling. We don't know yet whether Blake can fulfill this promise, but it's possible.
No: LeBron Has a Better Chance Of Winning Titles
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Talking about Blake winning titles might be a tad premature considering the Clippers are only 21-37. Yes, theoretically he could take them to the championship, but it is not an imminent possibility.
On the other hand, Miami is at the top of the East and LeBron is in good position to potentially win multiple rings. No one would be surprised if he took home at least a couple.
If James captures several titles, he will be considered one of the top players to ever grace the hardwood.
Yes: Everyone Loves Blake/Hates LeBron
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Blake Griffin is so hot right now, he's almost as popular as Middle East uprisings. Blake is a media darling and a fan favorite, both because of his play on the court and his personality off it.
LeBron also used to be adored all over the world, but after the Decision, he is now one of sports' most reviled figures. He is viewed as a traitor, a backstabber and an arrogant attention whore.
Blake has the opportunity to not only be great, but also be loved. If he remains successful and popular, Griffin could have a storied career.
No: Fan Adoration Doesn't Imply Greatness
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We're discussing whether Blake can be better than LeBron, not whether he can have more Facebook friends. Who really cares if LeBron is loved? He is embracing his role as a villain, and the city of Miami obviously loves him.
If LeBron keeps up his torrid play and wins titles, then his current infamy won't affect him that much. For example, Kobe's Q score, which rates reputation, is lower than LeBron's but that doesn't taint opinion regarding Bryant's legacy.
Moreover, there are plenty of future NBA scandals to take the spotlight off LeBron, as we've already started to see with Carmelo Anthony.
Conclusion: LeBron Is Still The King
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Blake Griffin has an extremely bright future ahead of him, and he should be a superstar for the next decade. While I won't make any predictions regarding titles, he will be a perennial All-Star.
That said, it's doubtful he can ascend to LeBron's level. I expect LeBron to win at least one more MVP and a few titles and be considered a top-ten player all time. Remember, he's only 26 years old.
