Ranking every first overall pick in NBA history

14. 2009: Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

You can’t talk about Blake Griffin without mentioning his ferocious dunks. But limiting the Griffin conversation to his ability to jump really high and finish above the rim doesn’t do the rest of his game any justice.

To be fair, when Griffin entered the league, there was little to his game outside of his NBA Jam-esque highlight reel plays. Sure, they were absolutely amazing (except for a few of his “dunks” that merely consisted of him throwing the ball into the hoop), but the Clippers had to expect more out of Griffin than being one of the guys that catch lobs from point guards.

Despite the flashy finishes, Griffin didn’t experience any team success until the Clippers were gift wrapped Chris Paul in 2011 following the infamous nixed Lakers trade. Griffin, Paul, and DeAndre Jordan would then lead the “Lob City” Clippers to six straight playoff appearances, which was the longest run of success in the franchise’s history.

It was also around this time that Griffin developed the other facets of his game — he improved his free throw shooting, became more proficient from 3-point range, and honed his ball handling and playmaking skills. Griffing molded himself into an all-around star player, which will serve him well as he ages and his athleticism erodes.

Griffin now plays for the Detroit Pistons following a trade midway through the 2017-18 season where he has looked like the Griffin of old combined with the skills he has accrued over the last few seasons.