Blake Griffin is an All-Star



Blake Griffin Dunking on Lamar Odom

Blake Griffin, the Los Angeles Clippers rookie sensation, has become the first rookie to be selected for the NBA All-Star game since Yao Ming’s nomination in 2003.

Griffin has been the most electrifying rookie that the NBA has seen since all eyes were on LeBron James back in 2003-04. His ferocious dunks, dogged mentality, and knowledge of the game have left fans, coaches, players and analyst in awe. At 21, Griffin, who stands 6-foot-10 and weighs 250 pounds, has a game that gives spectators a glimpse of an emerging star who is becoming a man amongst boys on the court.

The former No. 1 pick in the 2009 NBA draft illustrates the basketball intellect that he gained during his original “rookie” campaign when he was sidelined for the 2009-10 season due to a broken knee cap. This year the phenom is averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds per game while shooting 51 percent from the field. The only entity lacking in Griffin’s season is the Clippers 21-35 record.

Griffin’s All-Star bid is well deserved, but some tend to believe that LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trailblazers was snubbed by the lack of votes from the head coaches. Without Brandon Roy, Aldridge is carrying the eighth seeded Blazers with 23 points and 9 rebounds per game. Though Aldridge is worthy, one cannot deny what Griffin has offered to the entire league.

Besides John Wall’s opening night showcase of his dancing skills when he premiered the “dougie,” no rookie has come close to adding any excitement to the NBA this season. Griffin has the second highest single game point total with 47, ranks second to Kevin Love in double doubles with 41 and held a 27-game streak in which he accomplished those feats. Griffin has truly been where amazing happens.

Spectators are watching the Clippers’ games because they’re appreciating the effort that Griffin brings into each contest. They are eager to see who will be his next victim for a poster that will hang up in the homes of many youngsters across the country.

Along with the All-Star game, Griffin is also competing in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam on Feb. 18 and the Sprite Slam Dunk contest on Saturday, Feb. 19. The NBA All-Star Game will air live on TNT on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.