I'll believe it when I see the official draft measurements. But being 6'9" in socks will definitely help Griffin's strengths translate to the tougher, taller NBA game.
If his height becomes non-issue - and not to be a hater - the biggest question marks about Blake will continue to be his defense, free throw shooting and range outside the basket.
Looking forward to the lottery tomorrow -
Not to be a debater, but how much range did Dwight Howard have outside the basket when he came into the league? How much range did Karl Malone have outside the basket when he came into the league? How good a free throw shooter were either one of them?
There's no measurement history to go by with Malone, but he was always listed at 6'9". So I'll assume thats what he was in shoes.
Here are Howard's stats from the combine.
6'9" WO shoes, 240 Lbs., 7' 4.5" WS, 9' 3.5" SR, 30.5" Standing Vertical, 35.5" Max Vertical.
I know most people think that Howard is close to 7' tall and is nothing short of superman. He does look the part. But he's not as tall as one would think and his standing reach is good but not special. But he is!!! There's more than height and jumping ability to being a special player. Barkley was 6'4" and played PF and no one could stop him on the block.
I don't think that I've ever seen a player thats accomplished what Griffin has accomplished. Been the number one consensus player from the beginning, and been nit picked as much. I'm totally befuddled why people have to find some flaw to comment on. I mean seriously folks. There's a lot more to like than dislike. This is a guy that broke Tim Duncan's double/double record for one year. But all I hear is that he might be only 6'7" tall. Early on I saw posts that said he didn't look very athletic. I thought to myself, what the hell are they watching?
His neck is too short, or his arms are too short, or perhaps his head is too long.... Its damm amazing he was able to score or rebound at all with all his deficences. Excuse my rant, but I've had it with all the negative comments. The dude is a great athlete thats probably 6'9" in his bare feet. He's a great jumper and is one of the quickest big men that I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot of them. He can score with either hand and he's incrediblely strong. From all reports he has a great work ethic and is very coachable. He is!! The closest thing to a sure thing in this draft. Just pray we have the opportunity to draft him.
By the way, this was not intended to pick on you in particular. I just felt the need to get something off my chest.
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