Clippers’ Future in Blake Griffin’s Hands?
The Clippers can only hope (Blake) Griffin learns from this. He’s already cut out some of the histrionics from the first round when the Memphis Grizzlies mocked him for flopping all over the court and crying at every whistle that didn’t go his way. But as Griffin learns to restrain his emotions, he must also expand his game.
Nothing less than the Clippers’ future depends on Griffin returning next season with a more versatile, more complete, skill set. Chris Paul limped through another loss to the Spurs, his injured hip contributing to another dozen missed shots. “We have to do a better job of helping him,” Griffin said afterward, and that includes beyond the remainder of this series.
Paul’s contract ends after next season, and every decision the Clippers make – how they fill out their roster, whether they retain coach Vinny Del Negro – is weighed by whether it will help ensure Paul re-signs. Griffin could become the biggest reason Paul stays – or, perhaps, one of the reasons he leaves.
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