I normally read the ESPN Insider and I love the piece. I may not agree with the point, but it usually makes me think. However, a recent article really got me irritated.The premise was Blake Griffin is the next Kevin Garnett. This piece was absolutely absurd. I love Blake Griffin, but he is not even a similar player to even a young KG.
The article uses the premise that Blake has the same offensive game or better than a young KG. The problem is that is just not true. ESPN is right that there are similarities in their games. Both men play with a lot of energy, ran the floor well, have explosive hops,have great inside moves, they rebound, can score of second chance opportunities, and they are solid passers. I believe KG is a better passer, but Blake is solid. KG was just always more willing to pass rather than shoot. This was an issue that his early critics latched on to. The problem is there are parts of a young KG’s game that are just not evident in Blake’s game. KG always had the fifteen foot jump shot. He shot that jumper so much that early critics of KG complained that he did not play inside enough. KG also even at a young age played defense. He was not the polished defender that he is today, but his defensive effort is one of the reasons his coach gave him time his rookie year on the floor. Unlike Blake, KG was a natural shot blocker. He also was an intense one on one defender with great instincts and hands in the paint.
However, the biggest difference in their games is the same difference that makes KG so unique. KG is just an intense predator that stalks the basketball court. It was KG’s intensity and enthusiasm that ignited the Timberwolves franchise to rise from the basement to success that the franchise never tasted both before and after his era in Minnesota. Blake just does not have that type of intense personality. Blake is intense at times, but he just is not intense all the time like KG.
KG is just such a unique talent that no young player should be compared to him. The man came into the league with athleticism, a jump shot, a solid defensive game, and an intense disposition. Not many players have that. I agree that Blake is a star. However, right now he reminds me more of Shawn Kemp than KG. Blake is an exciting above the rim player that is only getting better. There is no shame in that. If Blake keeps improving, then he will join KG someday on the pantheon of greatest NBA players. However, the KG comparisons need to stop. Blake just is not that type of player. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!!!!
