Hoops Habit
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NBA: Players Under Most Pressure To Win First Championship

By Maxwell Ogden

April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) moves the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) moves the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Position: Power Forward
Age: 27 (3/16/1989)
Career Slash Line: .521/.271/.661
Career Season Averages: 35.3 MPG, 21.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 4.0 APG, 1.0 SPG
Accolades: 3x All-NBA Second Team, 2015 All-NBA Third Team, 5x All-Star, 2011 Rookie of the Year

At the very least, the Los Angeles Clippers need to end the curse and get past the second round. The Golden State Warriors have reloaded in one of the most powerful ways imaginable, but the San Antonio Spurs lost Tim Duncan.

If the Clippers are ever going to break through, then 2016-17 will be the year—a burden that rests partly on Blake Griffin.

Griffin is often overlooked in this discussion, but he’s one of the best players in the NBA. He’s an elite athlete with remarkable handles, beautiful court vision, and the proven ability to dominate the boards when that’s his focus.

Griffin has even expanded his range to the point of being one of the NBA’s most productive midrange shooters.

Exciting as that all may be, both Griffin and Chris Paul will be unrestricted free agents in 2017. Thus, as that duo stares down the barrel of reality, finishing their time together with zero Conference Finals appearances would be unacceptable.

Considering Griffin is now entering his prime, the pressure is also mounting for the five-time All-Star to win big.

Next: New Coach, New Expectations