Blake Griffin is bonkers.

[CzBoobie]

The problem is, what is there left that players can actually physically do? Windmills, 360s, and double pump dunks just don't get the crowd as excited as it used to (at least in the dunk contest setting). Hell, even the between the legs dunk, which was mind boggling when Carter first did it, has become almost routine.

As far as I know Isaiah Rider was the first one who did between the legs dunk in the contest (and won). Kobe also won the contest with it three years later. Nowadays those dunks wouldn't get them out of the first round :chuckles:

 

[The Oi]

Let me ask a question here:

Who was a better rookie? LeBron or Griffin?

 

[RonG]

Let me ask a question here:

Who was a better rookie? LeBron or Griffin?

Difficult to answer because Griffin is already surrounded by more talent than Lebron ever was.

 

[czvo]

Let me ask a question here:

Who was a better rookie? LeBron or Griffin?

In terms of numbers? I'd have to say Blake Griffin. Actually, I don't remember as many "holy shit, did he just do that!?" plays from LeBron in his rookie year either. I know he had a few, but it seems like every game Blake has 2-3.

 

[CzBoobie]

It's easily Griffin...but he is almost three years older than LeBron was as a rookie. At Griffin's age LeBron was already robbed of an MVP award.

 

[Splitz]

If Lebron had Blake's instincts and footwork in the post, he would have Michael Jordan eating his jock strap.

 

[Lee]

I hate Lebron with a passion, but he is the most skilled player physically to ever play the game. Too bad for us Cavs fan he doesnt have a heart. That said, I love Griffin's game, but Lebron overall is more skilled. If he had heart, he would be able to play better down low too and not quit in the playoffs and not embarass his team of 7 years on national television...but none of that has anything to do with pure skills.

 

[PIP]

The thing about Griffin is he's not just relying on his athleticism... He's starting to post up more and he's starting to get that 15 footer down...

His mindset, heart and work ethic are already there--- he has a legit chance to be one of the best and I hope the Clippers can hold onto him as opposed to him replacing Kobe as the next Lakers star...

 

[Fursdon]

I hate Lebron with a passion, but he is the most skilled player physically to ever play the game. Too bad for us Cavs fan he doesnt have a heart. That said, I love Griffin's game, but Lebron overall is more skilled. If he had heart, he would be able to play better down low too and not quit in the playoffs and not embarass his team of 7 years on national television...but none of that has anything to do with pure skills.

Could you guys help me define this? I've often been wrangling with these words/terms and have tried to nail down definitions.

From what I tell myself:

Talent: More innate to the player, based upon physical attributes(ht/wt/length), athleticism, speed, intelligence, attitude/drive. Talent gives us an idea of the potential ceiling for a player, e.g. Lebron James is a talented SOB, who's ceiling was GOAT.

Skill: Direct basketball skills, that must be practiced and worked on. Shooting, passing, defense, general awareness, and other nuances depending on the position(s) a person plays. Skill shows us the real player once they're in the NBA. Some guys are very skilled, but lack the 'talent/attributes' to even get in the NBA. Some guys are incredibly talented, but end up having poor skills and bust very, very hard.

Thinking about those two right now, it's somewhat flawed and people might merge their definitions more: 'a talented passer/shooter/defender'. Any other thoughts?

 

[Mdog1]

I think Blakes rookie year has been nuts. If he finishes it out this way then quite frankly it will be one of the greatest rookie years ever imo, so far he has been the best rook since Duncan. Of course that is my opinion, but prove me wrong.

 

[CzBoobie]

Could you guys help me define this? I've often been wrangling with these words/terms and have tried to nail down definitions.

From what I tell myself:

Talent: More innate to the player, based upon physical attributes(ht/wt/length), athleticism, speed, intelligence, attitude/drive. Talent gives us an idea of the potential ceiling for a player, e.g. Lebron James is a talented SOB, who's ceiling was GOAT.

Skill: Direct basketball skills, that must be practiced and worked on. Shooting, passing, defense, general awareness, and other nuances depending on the position(s) a person plays. Skill shows us the real player once they're in the NBA. Some guys are very skilled, by lack the 'talent/attributes' to even get in the NBA. Some guys are incredibly talented, but end up having poor skills and bust very, very hard.

Thinking about those two right now, it's somewhat flawed and people might merge their definitions more: 'a talented passer/shooter/defender'. Any other thoughts?

Yeah, I kinda agree, being a freak of nature is not a skill imo. Not saying that Lebron is not also a skilled basketball player but he certainly is not the most skilled either.

 

[Rich]

I hate Lebron with a passion, but he is the most skilled player physically to ever play the game. Too bad for us Cavs fan he doesnt have a heart. That said, I love Griffin's game, but Lebron overall is more skilled. If he had heart, he would be able to play better down low too and not quit in the playoffs and not embarass his team of 7 years on national television...but none of that has anything to do with pure skills.

The question is not who the better player currently is, or who the most skilled is (whatever that means), the question was if Griffin is having a better rookie year than Lebron.

Statistically, it isn't even close. Griffin is EASILY having a better rookie season than Lebron. I suspect that by the time the season is over, he'll have him in that W/L column too.

Remember folks, LBJs rookie year looked much like Griffins does talent-wise. We didn't know that Wagner, Miles, and Davis would end up sucking terribly. They looked like real, young talent we could build with. Plus, we had Boozer. Eventually, two of those guys were traded, but I still remember thinking we had a nice young team. Of course, we did until we decided it would be a good idea to let Boozer walk..but whatever.

 

[Rich]

It's easily Griffin...but he is almost three years older than LeBron was as a rookie. At Griffin's age LeBron was already robbed of an MVP award.

I assume you're talking about 05-06, which would be the year Kobe was robbed of the MVP award.

 

[ButterMPancakes]

I think Blakes rookie year has been nuts. If he finishes it out this way then quite frankly it will be one of the greatest rookie years ever imo, so far he has been the best rook since Duncan. Of course that is my opinion, but prove me wrong.

 

[ButterMPancakes]

never mind, you said since Duncan. . .