Let's be honest and talk about Blake's offensive game.

by iankobe on Oct 24, 2009 2:45 AM PDT

As much as we all witnessed this preseason, the one thing we can truly justify is that Blake is indeed EXTREMELY athletic. Blake hustles, listens, dunks like Mbenga is nobody (he IS nobody) and most importantly plays defense. But what about his offense?

From what I personally saw this past month, I have YET to see Blake initiate a "go-to move". I know, I know. This has already been mentioned. Although I really want to believe that Blake is going to be great, am still not convinced that he will be ROY for sure.

Let's face it. I'm trying my hardest to think if Blake scored in any other ways besides fast break dunks and put-backs. The only legit post move I deeply remember was his turnaround pivot-drive in on Mikki Moore on Oct. 12.

What are your thoughts on Blake? We all know it's his rookie year, he'll develop his mid range jump shot in the future and all that. What about THIS season? Will he be able to keep up with other fellow rookies such as Tyreke Evans and Jonny Flynn...or vice versa.

Go Clippers!

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Good thoughts

But having a go to move isn’t what makes you ROY…

It has to do with the numbers you put up, and hustle and energy can also go into account there. Blake has a big impact on this team, how he hustles and dives and saves the ball, keeps possessions alive, and makes sure the Clippers don’t give up any offensive rebounds. Blake has a very good sense for rebounding.

His midrange game is good. I just think he doesn’t have the confidence yet. I’ve watched him during warmups several times and there’s nothing wrong with his shot. However, during games, when he gets an open look I see him looking around to try to find a teammate instead of looking for his own shot.. Leading to hesitation, which makes him miss his shots. But with the plays being run for him (alley oops and stuff) why would he need a go to move?

Until the NBA learns how to combat these plays that Griffin has been thriving off of, there isn’t a reason for him to use his face up game.

It’s only preseason, so the style of game might be totally different than during the season. We’ll see how it goes.

"It's over ladies and gentlemen. The Clippers have upset, have shocked, have STUNNED the Boston Celtics!"
-Ralph Lawler

by TheCalmInsanity on Oct 24, 2009 2:57 AM PDT reply actions

No offense

“No offense”, but the guy is right. Blake I think will still get the ROY because of the stats he will be putting ( I see him making a lot of double doubles-but definitely much mcuh better than Okafor). This year his points will come mostly from fastbreaks, put backs and alley oops. The jump shots and the hooks will have to be learned and perfected.
He is not a Kobe but they are similar in a way because of their work ethics and their desire for perfection. It took Kobe more that two years to hone his skills. Blake will do likewise.

by nelsan on Oct 24, 2009 7:41 AM PDT reply actions

They created more plays for him in summer league

In Summer league we got to see a glipse of his pinchent for the bank shot high off the glass. As they start to ‘feed’ him a bit, you will see more and more of his toolset.

He is definately not Karl Malone with his back to the basket. He does have a good first step facing the basket, but without a consistant 18 foot jay, this will be of no use. Most importantly, he puts himself in good places to receive passes for layups and dunks.

If he gets 14 and 10 this year with a good ‘glue angle’ to his game, that would be outstanding.

It seems like perfect sitchy for him to grow in because he doesnt have to have the offense run thru him and will not expose his weaknesses as quickly over the long season.

I am extremely happy with his progress. But, we will not count on him to score big points this year.

No gang...... Independent....

by Clipochistic on Oct 24, 2009 10:37 AM PDT reply actions

Wins>>>Points>>>>>R.O.Y.

Blake’s offense will come around. For now, it’s his athleticism and tenacity that make the difference. I love what he’s shown so far on defense. Especially when Baron’s in there with him, their general frenzy is bound to rattle a lot of teams. If his stats turns out to be a little less impressive than some other rookie(s), it’s really not what’s important.

As a side note, if Griffin doesn’t have a great “go-to” move, then that may be a reason to have Thornton start. At least on nights when Camby starts ahead of Kaman, we may need another guy in there who’s better on set plays.

by silverman on Oct 25, 2009 1:19 PM PDT reply actions

I don't really see any competition against BG for ROY

I’m not trying to sound cocky about or anything…but impact on the team is very important in the voting….unless the player is some kind of miraculous.

The top competition against BG would probably be Tyreke Evans or Jonny Flynn….and neither of them will probably see their teams turn around and have records better than the bottom of the league.

by KidJustin on Oct 26, 2009 12:29 AM PDT reply actions

DeJuan Blair may start to steal some minutes later in the season.

by Newton Pham on Oct 26, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought of that too

But I thought I heard Pop say stuff like, he is a really good player and he has a spot on the team….but he’s not sure what that spot it come regular season.

Basially Blair is the Gooden for the Spurs this year. The only differences is Gooden was good, but needed to find a fit starting fro midway, Blair has the whole season.

Either way, I think Griffin is still in a better position than Blair, since we won’t really see Blair a whole lot until the second half of the season.

by KidJustin on Oct 26, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Here's another way for Blake NOT to take the ROY.

Repeat what Greg Oden did.

Except Oden PLAYED in the first game…ironically against the Lakers.

Clippers 09-10. Prepare for a revolution.

by iankobe on Oct 26, 2009 11:01 PM PDT reply actions

Actually

Oden missed his entire 1st year (he didn’t even play in preseason) so on the bright side at least we aren’t waiting a whole year to see him. Small consolation I know but we’ve been down this road before.

FA in 2010.

by ClipperChuck on Oct 26, 2009 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions