Blake Griffin had to be feeling good about his chances entering the NBA draft lottery. The Los Angeles Clippers had only a 17.7% chance of landing the top pick.
Then came the unexpected, with the Clippers somehow winning the lottery and right to select the former Oklahoma standout with the first pick. Yes, one would have to think that even the Clippers, who once selected Michael Olowokandi with the top pick, can't screw this up. Then again, it's the Clippers. ...
But what happens after Griffin to L.A.? Memphis, Oklahoma City, Sacramento and Washington are next in the pecking order, and the biggest losers will have a chance to select a marquee player and launch their rebuilding efforts.
It's never too early for a mock draft, and Mark Heisler of the Los Angeles Times comes through by breaking down the top 14 picks.
Griffin has the potential to become an impact player in the NBA. The odds are now not in his favor going to the Clippers with the #1 pick. Yes the Clippers have some young talent to build around including Eric Gordon, Al Thornton and Baron Davis. Yes Dunleavy is a good head coach but the Clippers have been the laughing stock of the NBA for years. The odds are already stacked against Griffin to develop into an impact NBA player. He has the size, strenght and tools but he may get lost in the shuffle with a team that should be in the developmental league. Good luck Blake!
Posted by: College Basketball Odds | May 28, 2009 at 09:54 AM