What is it about E-Griff that makes everybody love him?

potential potential potential. he has untapped potential that could really either make him a stud or a dud. the thing is that i think he'll just be an above avg. player at best if he's gonna be sticking w/ rudy's 'plays'. rudy don't know how to work w/ talent. stick EG w/ phil jackson for 2 years and he will be a star for sure.

 

The most that excites me is what he has already done in the NBA under limited mins and under crazy team circumstances(injuries).

And most important of all, is that Griffin is only 20 years old.

 

Lets see :

He was a 19yr old rookie who demonstrated fantastic shot-blocking abilities, a smooth stroke and a developing offensive game who showed drastic improvement in his game from the start of the season to the finish.

Thats why we love him.

 

It's not as if Griffin doesn't have a post game -- it's just a matter of him being able to showcase it in NBA games. I'm sure Rudy just felt more comfortable with the offense running through the other more experienced guys, and for good reason.

In the summer leagues he showed a nice turn around jumper with his back to the basket. The framework is there...I'm sure once he builds up his strength and learns a little bit more about how to handle NBA defenses in the post, the "booty-butt play" will be resurrected and he'll get his touches on the block.

 

He disappointed me in the second half of the season. But, you have to love his potential.

 

I don't doubt Griffin's potential...

What I doubt is if Rudy will be able to develop him.

Leaving Griffin at the 3 pt line will make him another Robert Horry.

This year, even though Griffin didn't have much of a post-up game, we might as well have experimented with Griffin inside. We were losing games anyway, so we might as well let Griffin try to develop faster. Also, it would enable Eddie to know what aspects of his low post game he needs work on.

 

i'll take the easy way, what puedlfor said.

 

uh, that would probably be getting stronger so he can at least establish position in the post.

Tough to have a low post game when you can't even get there with the ball.

Griffin has the basics in place, a soft touch, and a goto move(the turnaround). What he needs is strength. And a hook shot.

Frankly, I think Rudy made the right move by simplifying things to ease Griffin's transition into the NBA, I think it worked out well.

 

I guess you're not familiar with the term, "on the job training".

Obivously, Griffin needs to bulk up. But, posting up isn't all about size and strength. In fact, most of posting up is footwork. If you don't have the footwork, then you'll probably end up getting your shot blocked, or having to charge into your defender to get a shot off.

 

exactly how many 19 year olds has has jackson developed into stars. even kobe was already a star when he got there. that being said, phil is good and i'm sure eddie would thrive under him just as i expect him to under rudy.

 

you got a point ..good one at that. but the thing is that in rudy's kind of mentality, i just don't see how EG can be the type of player that we expect him to be (KG-caliber). Granted, a coach dont' fully mold a player's future, but the coach's leadership skills does play a good part in it and rudy's laid back type of teaching is only good for the ones that know how to score (francis, mobley) and isn't as effective w/ the ones that need to learn more of the game (EG)

 

I would like him more of he was more into a thugish role. What I mean in that is sparkplug somewhat. Maybe he should Punch Cato in the mouth. I would love him more.

 

EG shut down Dirk earlier in the year. Enough said. I value him above Mobley and just below Francis. He will be a stud.

 

Basically he's Rasheed Wallace without techs. He will always be couple of votes shy of being voted to the All-Star team. And that is only because he won't score 20 ppg( maybe 17 ppg). I also can garauntee that he will win the DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR atleast once in his career.

 

Out of pure curiosity, since I seldom see Griffin play, how good defender do you expect him to become ... I mean besides beeing a good shotblocker? Does he consistantly bring a mean streak or would a potential frontcourt with Ming/Griffin be soft?

 

Talent aside, I'm an EG fan because he's so smooth -- never too hot and never too cool. Just Easy Eddie. His game is compelling to watch because of the fluidity of his frame in motion, whether it's jumping from a standstill to block a shot or his sinewy arms following through on a three-point bomb. Just graceful.

 

True

 

Eddie is clutch. He is just like Robert Horry in that department. He is completely cool under pressure. He hit a couple game-tying and game-clinching threes this year, as well as some crucial crunch time blocks. He's the player I want Steve dishing out to for the final shot.

 

Everybody loves him because...

He's a 19-year-old (gotta love those kid ballas)
He's a rookie...everyone loves a rookie
He blocked Shaq
He stuffed Dirk
He rejected KG
He gets us on runs with his 3-pointers
He gets the crowd excited with his patented nasty reverse flushes
He had 7 blocks vs. The Knicks and Mavs
He's unselfish
He doesn't get technicals
He doesn't complain
He is completely calm and cool
He makes everything look easy
People have fun playing "Spot the Smile" during games
"Eddie!" is a rhythmic chant
He's got such a gorgeous future.