3rd Qtr. Kicks in and suddenly, Eddie griffin start playing like a veteran , he had first nine points and finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds with a couple of blocks shots. I Really thought he's got 3 or 4 blocks. But who cares we won the 3rd preseason game!!
I don't mean to rain on the parade, but shooting 20 times and only scoring 15 points is not all that great. He was 7 for 20 tonight. If he shoots 35% for the field all year, that will not be very good. I did like the 13 boards though . . .
Eddie's defense is going to be huge. Offensively, he does not look much more comfortable IMHO. Despite moving off the 3 pt line, the posting up moves look too orchestrated and he is catching the ball too far off the block. He still needs work there, but man oh man, his D will be invaluable!!! The kid can block and play the lanes!!!! I only want 10-12 points from him. Give me 3 blocks and 6-8 rebounds and i am happy with KT and MoT in there
Eddies defense is unbelievable. But imagine how unbelievable the Rockets defense will be when Yao and Eddie are in the game together.
Obviously he's not going to shoot 7 of 20 all year because he's not going to get 20 shots. The Rockets were sluggish and then turned it on. Ignore the 7 of 20, Griffin stepped up when it really counted, he shot 6 of 10 in the 2nd half.
Yes, it reminds me of the Cavs '88 front line. High jumpers, blocking and rebounding. That's why I think that Griffin's development on the offensive side will come a long nicely with Yao shouldering most of the scoring. But, they will be able to cover each others missed shots; put backs -- Yao to Griff, or Griff to Yao -- put-backs. I actually believe that Griffin is the tallest player/longest arms in the NBA with the highest vertical leap. For example, there's no one that is taller than 6'10" that can jump as high as Griff. Yes, even Garnett (7'0"). Plus, he's a quick jumper too. That's why he able to block all these shots from guys like Duncan, Shaq, Garnett...
Keon Clark and McDyess can jump higher than EG. EG needs to lay off the jumper off the dribble. The next time he drives to the basket, will be the first.
Total height after jump... You have to add Griffin's long arms to that equation. Height + vertical leap + arm length = Griffin
Amare can jump a solid 8 inches higher, at least. There is no way Griffin's arms are that much longer. Besides, McDyess has a 48 inch vertical. Griffin would need arms that are 4 feet long to compete with that.
I like your equation. Just want to add one more factor. Body contortion/joint flexibility. Griffin's body flexibility gives him an extra inch in the air.
eddie griffin had an average scoring night at best, but amare stodumire took it to both maurice taylor and eddie griffin. he put on a dunking show. amare stoudumire is going to be my favorite rookie soon. (along with yao ming if he can produce of course).
obviously he doesnt wanna end up like antinio mycdyess and get injured during a preseason game with his scary ass.
All that stuff helps Eddie block shots, but really what makes him so great is timing and instincts. How do you think Hakeem could still block shots even as his leaping ability was declining? Another thing about Eddie is his ability to jump from a stand-still. One thing I noticed is he doesn't need to crouch down real low before jumping up to block a shot, he's just immediately up in the air. And if he goes for a pump fake, he'll jump off his tip-toes on the way down and be right back up. He's like a pogo-stick! Sure, McDyess could jump higher, but Eddie is already a better shot blocker. Shot blocking is a skill! There's some who are able to block a couple shots purely on leaping ability or height, but Eddie seems to have a better knack for getting a hand on shots than just about any player I have ever seen.
You're right. He just kind of pushes up off the tips of his toes. He looks effortless in doing this sometimes. I also like how after Eddie makes the block, he keeps the ball in play, like #34 did. Shaq and co. just like seeing how far they can swat a shot into the stands. Id rather for it to be kept in play to trigger some desperately needed fast break opportunities.
