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NBA Playoffs: Which superstar has the most to win and lose?

By Luke Dahlgren

May 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cavaliers Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket in the second half of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Cavaliers won 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cavaliers Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket in the second half of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Cavaliers won 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA ; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) in the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Los Angeles Clippers won 117 to 101. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA ; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) in the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Los Angeles Clippers won 117 to 101. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Blake Griffin

In the absence of Chris Paul for the beginning of this series, it became increasingly evident that Blake Griffin has the highest ceiling of any player in the NBA not named Anthony Davis.

How much does Blake Griffin have to win with a Finals victory?

As recently as last year, Blake Griffin was considered as possibly the third best player in the NBA behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant. His collection of violent post moves paired well with his emerging ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his developing eye as a point forward. He had the skill and the demeanor to be the centerpiece of a team.

If Griffin can play up to that level and command the floor in an NBA Finals series, then he solidifies his place as one of the top three players in basketball, surpassing even his teammate Chris Paul. Better yet, a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James would show that Griffin is capable of performing better than LeBron at his own game.

How much does Blake Griffin have to lose with an early exit?

Unlike the Harden-Howard duo in Houston, where Harden has emerged as the clear leader of the team, the pairing of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul is much more even. Somehow, though, the blame for the failure of the Clippers to reach far into the playoffs has been thrust onto Paul’s shoulders. It seems like an even trade, as Griffin gets most of the flak for arguing with the refs all game long, but when it comes to this point Griffin doesn’t seem to carry as much weight.

As it was mentioned before, this is the Clippers best chance to win a championship. If it is happening any year, it will be this year. Griffin does not want to miss out on an opportunity that will seldom come again with this much promise. But unless his production collapses and he absolutely blows games (something he has not done yet), then the blame will not be placed on him for an early playoff exit.

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