TGR Preseason: Talking with Chris Silva

I think my favorite play of Griffins was when he hit his head on the backboard while making a nice play on the basline for a dunk... I know a lot of NBA players can do that. But, there just aren't many players who can put that athleticism too good use.

I think if Russell Westbrook were 6'9-6'10, his name would be Blake Griffin lol.

Collison is not long for a big. He came into the league with pretty good max hoops though. They fade with age but he may not be that quick a jumper relatively speaking. It all figures into being fairly blockable and so he doesn't attempt some stuff he did in college. He is probably not what you'd call a spring who can max jump frequently on the same play. Griffin is young, has hops and probably can get up pretty fast & often. I think that in this league he will do about as good as a young big can with these rules. B Lopez level or better.

Folks don't shoot strictly flat-footed very often but they don't get much hop a fair amount of the time either, say on a hook shot or a quick putback attempt. They sometimes rebound with both feet on the ground though. Not sure how often. Standing reach + some measure of how much height players get on their routine moves (not necessarily max jump) would give a better projection of "true playing height".

How can there even be a discussion about him being at least a great number 2 option? The kid is gonna be fantastic, and with Amare and Boozer gone to the east and playing with a solid true center like Kaman, he'll have a great rookie year.

@justin
I know it's just preseason and nobody is planning. Teams will adjust and defenses will tighten up.

I just think he has the potential to be really special... But then again I'm a biased OU fan who followed him the way I do KD and RW now.

@Bryan

It's preseason. He's looked great, though!

@Bryan

Watched him plenty, thanks.. he's not on Amare's level with his footwork or handle IMO.

Maybe he'll be a #2. On our team he probably would be. But I'm not sure that's where he would fit in best. I think he'll end up having a Phoenix era Shawn Marion type of impact offensively. A solid 2/3 option who picks his spots offensively, rebounds, and runs the break extremely well. Not someone who can take over a game in the half court, which is something I think a real #2 option should be able to do in spurts.

I'd love to have him on the Thunder as I expect most here would.

Tooooo much coffee

@justin
Plus, I think you worry too much about arm length. It's important. But we are talking about inches. And, if you've seen him play, you know he plays above the rim.

Now that the leash is off and he can play D without pissing off his coach, I think you will see what he is really capable of. His brother Taylor was a reaaaaly good defender - typically gaurding post players at just 6-7.

Besides, just look at his stats from the last two games.
23 pts on 10-15 with 9 rbs, 4 assists, 2 steals a 1 block in 24 minutes against the new defensive-minded GS Warriors.

18 pts on 7-7 with 13 boards, 1 assist, 1 block and 1 steal in 23 minutes against the Kings.

You put that kid on the floor for 30-35 mins a game and tell me he doesn't average a double-double. I'd give up any player on our roster not named Kevin Durant and any three players excluding Westbrook.

@justin

I'm skeptical Griffin can be a #1 option too, but I have no doubt he can be a clear #2. Even on a good team. He just requires a good distributor.

If he were on the Thunder, wouldn't you expect him to emerge as the clear #2 ahead of Westbrook? In fact, Westbrook is just the type of guard I think he'd be great with.

justin :@Keith
I don’t think Griffin has the same kind of coordination that Amar’e has, especially with the ball in his hands. I’d say Amar’e is Griffin’s peak as a player.

Um, yeah.... I don't think you watched Griffin play at OU. The kid can handle coast to coast as well as most gaurds. Griffin is stupid athletic and coordinated.

I'm not saying he will necessarily be better than Amare, but he is easily as coordinated and I don't think it wise to put a ceiling on him.

@justin

i.e. highest peak. Something like Amar'e or pre-injury Antonio McDyess. He's similar. The big difference is his length isn't as good as those guys, and I don't think he's as fluid with the ball. The latter he might improve but I still think his stubby arms will inhibit some of the things he can do in the post if he's going to be a focal point offensively.

@Keith

I don't think Griffin has the same kind of coordination that Amar'e has, especially with the ball in his hands. I'd say Amar'e is Griffin's peak as a player.

I don't think I'd looked at Westbrook vs Payton after 2 seasons before:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tiny.cgi?id=LlYAl

Split decision on shooting and scoring efficiency. Westbrook the edge on rebounding, assist% (Payton had McMillan),turnovers and less fouls. Payton 60% more steals. Westbrook with the PER and WinShare lead.

Payton wasn't near peak til year 5. Westbrook might get there earlier.

@justin
Griffin's offensive is kind of limited, but I think he has the moves and motor (important because of his style) to score a lot, especially on a team using him as their focal point. He's essentially a more focused Amare. Amare has better moves and jumper right now, but Griffin has the ability to reach that level of game on offense.

@justin
Did you ever watch Griffin in college? Also, in interviews, he talked about why he was not as aggressive on defense at OU as he plans to be for the Clippers. He was such a vital part of the OU team (i.e., THE team) that he couldn't afford to get into foul troubles. He said it will be very different in the NBA for him. He said he's looking forward to that freedom to really pound with other forwards.

Griffin's looked great but I'm still not sold on him being a #1 option or even #2 option on a good team. He should be a great rebounder and on the right team I think he could score 15+ a game.

I think he might have some trouble defensively in half court.

Kevin Pelton next week? Wow! One of the best basketball statistics guys out there--a Seattlite, also.

He's the Admin of APBRmetrics. He'd actually know about my work.

Yeah, the prospect of relying on Green to stop Griffin............ ouch

Blake Griffen should scare all of us. ROY and he may even make the Clippers for real this year.

I don't know the best place to say..... but Blake Griffin scares me....

Ford Center over MSG huh? :)

Also can't wait for KP.

so so excited about the Kevin Pelton podcast next week. Very cool.