Blake Griffin Talks About Eric Gordon, Los Angeles Clippers Making NBA Playoffs

L.A. Clippers starting forward Blake Griffin is one of many basketball talents that has stayed active and spent time preparing for a potential NBA season during the lingering, extensive NBA lockout period.

The near 150-day lockout came to a close just recently, as the players union and owners were able to come to an agreement on the league's new collective bargaining agreement.

Out of the league for a significant time and having missed out on summer league and training camp, players were forced to make an effort to stay in shape physically.

In an interview with Bleacher Report, Griffin discussed how he spent his time during the lockout, as well as the L.A. Clippers' potential to do damage this season.

Griffin said he made a conscious effort to maintain his strength and conditioning, as did his teammates, whether it was hitting the gym or taking his game to the courts.

"[I was] really just working out every day and making sure I’m staying on top of my game...getting weights in, getting my conditioning in, eating right, all of that," Griffin said. "It is important this year, especially with the extended break, to make sure we were ready once we were given a green light, and I’m happy with how things turned out. I think all of our guys have done that very well."

Aside from keeping his body in shape, Griffin also expressed the importance of staying mentally focused. He said that hitting the film—his, as well as that of other players—was a big help in preparing for this season.

"I think there’s guys that you can learn from, really on every team, and there’s always something you can learn from different guys," Griffin said. "That was something I did this summer. I was watching a lot of film. Hopefully I can incorporate some of the stuff I learned into my game."

This 2011-12 NBA season, the L.A. Clippers bring to the table one of the more unique rosters in the league. The Clippers feature a youthful yet talented squad, with both Griffin and guard Eric Gordon leading the way.

Just how young are they?

Seven of the 11 players on the team are under the age of 22. Griffin said this was one of the reasons why the team got off to a 1-12 start last season.

"We were starting, at one point, three 20-year-olds and two 22-year-olds," Griffin said. "So it’s tough to win in this league with that, but we just have to make sure we come out hot out of the gate and try to stay healthy as much as possible."

Several injuries to top-notch players was another reason the team seemed to struggle. Griffin said having both Baron Davis and Chris Kaman go down to injury was a big reason the team struggled to win games.

Despite youth and injury, the Clippers have talent throughout the depth chart and are built for the future. One such talent is 22-year-old Eric Gordon, who last season was among the best scorers in the league, averaging 22.3 points per game.

When asked about the third-year pro joining him in the 2012 All-Star Game, Griffin said, "I mean I hope so. He definitely does deserve that. He’s a huge, huge part of our team and an unbelievable basketball player, unbelievable scorer."

With Griffin's talent at the power forward position on both ends of the floor, plus Gordon's scoring ability, and adding veteran Chris Kaman at the center to the mix, the Clippers make the case of being one of the deeper teams in basketball.

"I think we have a very, very exciting team," Griffin said. "Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, adding Mo Williams, a guy with a lot of experience and a great player, Chris Kaman... We have a lot of pieces, I think, that are fun to watch and also, at the same time, solid.

"We’re a very solid team and we’re going to continue to get better," he said.

Yet the question then becomes, will the Clippers have what it takes to make a postseason run?

Griffin said the troops are ready to answer the call.

"Yeah, I mean, that’s our goal, and I think we have a very real chance of attaining that," Griffin said. "That’s what we’re going to be working towards. It all starts as soon as training camp starts, and so that’s where we've got to really put the work in and really gel as a team."

It is clear this is a focused, fit, determined group that is ready to hit the hardwood after struggling to get things going to start last season. Griffin is hopeful hard work before the start of the season will make the difference, as he and Gordon will attempt to lead one of the league's younger teams to the 2012 NBA playoffs.

Just today the Clippers made another step forward toward the postseason, as the team signed free-agent forward Caron Butler for three years. According to CBS Sports, the deal was worth a reported $24 million. Butler will add a major scoring threat to the team's lineup as well as a solid, well-rounded defensive threat.

The L.A. Clippers open up the season on Christmas Day, taking on the Golden State Warriors on the road.

According to Griffin's take on the team, this could be a squad with the potential to put together a promising season—perhaps one that gives the team a spot in the postseason.

Follow Featured Columnist Luis Batlle on Twitter @lbatll1