NBA Draft: Every team’s best pick ever

Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks to the media during a press conference after game four of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors won 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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April 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots a basket against Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin, No. 1, 2009 NBA Draft

Blake Griffin was the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, after earning the National Player of the Year award for his stellar play at the University of Oklahoma. Griffin broke his kneecap in a preseason game, and missed the 2009-10 season. He returned the following year, averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds on his way to winning the Rookie of the Year award and earning an All-Star team nod. The Clippers traded for Chris Paul in the offseason following Griffin’s rookie year, and together with teammate DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers made the postseason for the first time in Griffin’s career.

Griffin has earned a reputation as a ferocious dunker, posterizing players like Timofey Mozgov, Pau Gasol, and Kendrick Perkins. But he’s not just a dunker, as his ability to create plays has improved year after year. Griffin hasn’t been able to get the Clippers to a NBA Finals, but the Clippers are considered contenders year after year, and are much more respected than they were ten years ago. Considering how many top draft picks the Clippers have had over the years, ranking Griffin as the best is a reminder of how low this franchise has been and how high his play has carried them.

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