One ballplayer who we all looked forward to seeing prior to the start of this NBA season, was Los Angeles Clipper -- Blake Griffin. After taking the college basketball world by storm last year with the Oklahoma Sooners, Griffin decided to enter the 2009 NBA draft after his Sophomore year. As projected, Griffin went on to be selected as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers, who won the draft lottery just weeks before the draft itself. Given his highly talented ability to play ball and desire to hustle on every play, Griffin needs no introduction to the common basketball fan. However, he might need one next season as he prepares to undergo surgery.
The 2009 Naismith Award winner put on a show during the 2009 Summer League and was named Summer League MVP. But on the last game of the preseason, Griffin suffered a stress fracture in his left knee after coming down from a dunk. Although Griffin wasn't in dire need of surgery, his NBA debut was put on hold. While awaiting recovery, tests revealed Griffen's knee was taking longer than expected to recover. & After what was suspected to be several weeks off, has now turned into an entire year as Griffin will undergo season ending surgery. The operation will put an end to any possibility of him making his long anticipated debut this year, as things can only look brighter next season for the young star.
Although the reports of Griffin needing additional surgery has just recently been confirmed, Griffin is no stranger to injuries, as he's had his fair share of time spent on the bench due to injuries and surgeries in his short but successful college career. Along with a concussion, Griffin has suffered injuries on both knees. & After the league seen what happened to Shaun Livingston's unfortunate injury plagued NBA career, mostly with the Clippers, many are beginning to wonder, 'Are the Clippers cursed?' However, if there is any curse, Portland Trailblazer Greg Oden has to surely be apart of it, given he's been injured a majority of his short career after being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. With Griffin out until the 2011 NBA season, any chances of him participating to win the Rookie of the Year award will be ruled out and he'll have to wait until next season if he hopes to secure the hardware.
Notable Awards - During his playing days in both High School and College, Griffin has went on to win such awards as the aforementioned Naismith Award (2009), John Wooden Award (2009), AP Big 12 Player of the Year, named to the McDonald's All-American and Jordan All-American teams, winner of the McDonald's All-American slam dunk contest and named Oklahoma Player of the Year by Gatorade, Tulsa World and The Oklahoman.
No comments:
Post a Comment