2009 - Blake Griffin, originally uploaded by espnphotos.
Around the time of the draft, there was debate over whether a first overall pick in a solid draft was worth more or less than a solid vet who'd been in the league say seven to ten years. Obviously, it depends entirely on the specific players you're comparing. However, when it comes to Blake Griffin, the choice seems obvious. Okay, you wouldn't give up your best guy on your roster to get him, but your second guy? Hell's yeah. There's nowhere to go but up for Griffin, and that's not assuming a low starting position. He even has people talking about the Clippers and Baron Davis as relevant again. I don't know that he'll be that good, but he certainly looks to make an impact right away.
Playing for Oklahoma, Blake was a beast, averaging 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds. He may be a bit undersized, but that's a tired criticism to begin with. The inexorable work ethic he's already displayed to get to this level make Griffin as near a sure thing as there is. And it all comes together to make him as interesting as any Blake coming out of Oklahoma this year. Maybe it's a good thing he got out of the Sooner state...
