http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/1055190 Griffin no longer just a number By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2001 Houston Chronicle Eddie Griffin, acting like the teen-ager he is, was playing his NBA Live computer game when he heard the news. He had his hands on the controls of the video Rockets and made sure to create a new player at forward -- himself. When he learned the Rockets had traded for Glen Rice last month, Griffin also added Rice to his simulated Rockets team and then noticed the veteran swingman also wore jersey No. 41. But Griffin knew right then that because he -- the real player rather than the computer-simulated version -- is a rookie, he would have to give up the number he had taken to honor his late brother, Marvin Powell. "That's all right," Griffin said. "He's the veteran. That's his number to keep. I'll have it some day." Griffin's easy acceptance of the change seemed in keeping with his brief taste of life in the NBA, which officially began Wednesday when he signed a multiyear contract with the Rockets. The 6-9, 220-pound Griffin was drafted by New Jersey with the seventh pick overall but was dealt within minutes to the Rockets for three first-round picks. His number essentially changed before he ever got a chance to wear it. And more important, his role as a player may have changed before his first training camp convenes. With Maurice Taylor lost for the season because of an Achilles' tendon injury, Griffin may have just gone from teen-aged rookie in training to key power forward off the bench. No longer a luxury or commodity to cash in when he matures, Griffin may have become a much-needed asset sooner than expected. "I felt bad to hear it (Taylor's injury)," Griffin said after a morning workout and weightlifting session at Westside Tennis Club. "I was looking forward to playing beside him and behind him. He's a great player. I could have learned a lot from him. Now I look forward to playing behind Kenny Thomas. I can learn from him, too. "Now, I feel like the Rockets will expect more from me. Our starting 4 is going to be out of the season. I'm happy to step in and do what I can do. It's going to be interesting. I'm looking forward to it." Griffin is eager to contribute. He has moved to Houston and begun working out with the regulars at Westside. He also has undertaken a more intense weightlifting program than ever before. "It's real helpful (being in Houston)," said Griffin, who averaged 17.8 points and 10.8 rebounds as a freshman at Seton Hall last season. "It lets me know what to expect playing against a lot of guys, guys who are not even on the Rockets. I used to be able to just turn around and shoot the ball. Now, if I take a turnaround jump shot, I better get some lift because the guys are so athletic, just as athletic as me and long. And I've been going hard in the weight room, harder than I ever have." That Griffin would sign in plenty of time to make the start of training camp Oct. 2 was never in doubt. The Rockets offered the maximum contract allowed under the league's collective bargaining agreement -- $6.961 million over the first three seasons. "You're always happy when they get signed and they're officially Rockets," general manager Carroll Dawson said. "One of the nice things is he was here all summer, worked very hard with the weight trainers and coaches. Terence (second-round pick Morris), too. It gives them a great advantage when camp comes along. Both of these guys are further along than most people. They stay here, get a feel for the Rockets, the players and the competition." If nothing else, signing gives Griffin one less thing to worry about while waiting for the next change to his life. "It's a big relief to have it official," Griffin said. "I don't have to worry about when it will be done. I can just focus on working hard and getting ready for the season."
great article. thanks chewy it's good to hear that our rooks are working hard. griff needs some muscle. 220lbs won't cut it at pf. if he can add 10 lbs this summer that would realy help. also, this may have been talked about before, but what are the chances that over the next couple of years eddie can grow 2 inches? he is only 19 and men are able to grow until 21. basketball players are not excused from this. kevin garnett grew 4 inches since his rookie season when he was 18yrs 6'9".
Eddie looked like he has already put on some muscle in his arms in the Chronicle photo. By all accounts Eddie has a great work ethic. Combined with his talent the sky could be the limit. Think Theo Ratliff with good offense!
"Eddie looked like he has already put on some muscle in his arms in the Chronicle photo" There's no picture?
If I recall the picture was on the front page of the sports section. No piicture on the page the article was on.
Eddie is still just a project & unfortunetly will need to contribute more than thought considering NO-MO. I hope he plays half as good as "the bulked up picture".
It's good to hear that Griffin is working hard to prepare for the upcoming season. It's also good to hear that Collier has too. As usually Wink is going through his summer workouts. I think we will make the playoffs this season.
While many of you think that Griffin is a project and needs time to produce, I'm here to tell you that all of you are totally wrong. I for one think that Griffin is ready to become a star power forward right now. Why do yall think that Rudy and CD aren't panicking, because they know the talents that Griffin posses. He's listed at 6'9" but if any of you watched the summer league then you should have noticed that this guy ia about 6'10" because he was the tallest on the court with great shot blocking and rebounding skills, great back to the basket skills and a nice touch from the outside. Also, why is everyone saying that he need to put on weight to contend in the West. Garnett doesn't weigh that much, Wallace doesn't weigh that much, and even more forwards in the East don't weigh nearly as much. Basketball is all about skills and smarts, not bulking up, or being the tallest. So, i will go on the record as saying that Griffin will surprise alot of you non-beleivers.
i'm with you bone! Eddie, during the summer league, was quoted as saying that he has put on weight since the draft, and has grown to 6'10". He is barely 19, ****, Kwane Brown is younger. Griffin will excell this season, no doubt!
I think Griffin will surprise alot of people this year. He has the work ethic and determination. Hopefully he will get a chance to shine this season.
I got a question to the Griffin Fans.. How many of you guys actually watched Griffin play in College?
I did and the guy is the real deal. He just has a low profile (very quiet). The punching incident probably brought him the wrong type of recognition he needed at the time. But as far as play on the court, he led the nation in block shots his freshman year and still average 17.5 pts and 10 rbs. That's pretty remarkable. Now for all those Kenny Thomas fans, what has he done? He's a role player and nothing more.
I never had but i've heard mixed things about him in college. I wish someone could give us the real deal on griffin, but hey, we'll see in a couple of months ! I hope he is everything we think and more!
I can't wait to hear the clutch reports on Eddie in training camp... "eddie just out-jumped everyone for the board and jammed it back in"... I can hear those comments already! BTW, is clutch doing those reports this year?
Can't anyone get us some info on how he is doing in the pickup games against the real pros. Seems like we had similar reports about Mobele and others before their rookie training camp?
Griffin had onething in mind, get mature enough to face a great challenge of his life, and that is, to be consistent enough to play at 4 instead of 3. It's still early to see how this young man evolved around the vet player, but he shows a lot of heart and determination to be the best player. But only time will tell.
Nice summary on Griff, Jbone. Let me just say, I use to watch Eddie Griffin and say to myself I wish the rockets can get this player. I never thought it would happen. The question about Griffins productivity he produces is how fast does he learn? When he learns then watch the hell out.
