Blake Griffin is Rookie of the Year

[Andrew]

And it's unanimous.

Griffin received every first-place vote from a panel of 118 media members, easily outdistancing Washington’s John Wall. The Clippers’ 22-year-old power forward is the first unanimous choice since San Antonio’s David Robinson in 1990, and just the third in NBA history after Ralph Sampson in 1984. New Orleans’ Chris Paul came close in 2006, missing by one vote.

Griffin led all rookies in scoring and rebounding while playing in all 82 games for the Clippers, finishing 12th in the entire NBA in scoring (22.5) and fourth in rebounds (12.1) while ranking second among rookies in assists (3.8).

It seems a lot of fans turned on him after making the highlight reels night after night for the first half of the season, but I'd say it's well-earned and he's a lot more than hype. He's not a franchise player yet but those are some fine numbers for a rookie big and I'd say he's got a bright future ahead of him. Great to see him play all 82 games after missing all of what would have been his rookie season.

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[benji]

http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/knicksblo ... ijDbyn0CnO

[Andrew]

Meh, whatever makes Marc Berman feel important I guess. It's hardly an unprecedented move for Griffin to still be considered a rookie after not registering a single minute last season; this was his first year actually playing in the NBA, nothing wrong with calling him a rookie.

[hova-]

Luis Scola was also considered a rookie coming into the league at the age of 27 or 28 iirc. You're first NBA season -> you're a rookie.

It's well earned for Blake who simply dominates with his great athleticism. Let's hope he works on his pivot and shot so that he can become a franchise guy.

[shadowgrin]

Griffin played seven preseason games for the Clippers in 2009-10 campaign, averaged 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds.

So that's why Blake Griffin only gets 13-15 ppg and 8-9 rpg in 2K10 Association.

[Martti.]

And 2K11 for that matter.

Well deserved, coming off a season-ending injury makes what he did even more impressive

[Murat]

What I waited so far.

[NovU]

Surprisingly a good rookie season for Griffin. I can't wait to see how the team will play when built around him.

[kibaxx7]

My vote was on a Co-ROY to Blake and Wall, but Blake has been off the charts and the Wizards' record was awful

[Andrew]

I can't wait to see how the team will play when built around him.

Given the way things usually go down for the Clippers, he could very well be plying his trade elsewhere before that has a chance to happen.

[benji]

I doubt it. The only other player of this level the Clippers have ever had was Elton Brand and he stuck around until he fell apart.

Considering he brings out the fans and ratings even if they're losing probably makes it doubly so.

/standardrantaboutheclippersmyths

[Andrew]

I'm not suggesting they won't pay him or try to surround him with talent, and he's absolutely one of the best players they've had during the LA era. I'm not buying into the Clippers myths beyond noting that it never really seems to work out for them and they're one of the league's least successful teams. With Griffin to build around, I'd agree the opportunity is there to change that image.