Welcome to Clipper-Ville, Blake Griffin

by Marcel Mutoni

After overcoming the odds and winning the Draft Lottery last night, the L.A. Clippers left little doubt who they were going to choose with the top pick.

Blake Griffin is the clear-cut choice – dude’s #23 jersey was even sewn into team president Andy Roeser’s suit jacket – and he says that he doesn’t mind playing for the Clip Show (and the Clippers are jubilant to get bring him into the fold.)

From ESPN and the LA Times:

“I know nothing is set in stone, but L.A. is a great opportunity, and if they do want me, I’ll do the best in whatever way I can,” Griffin said. “I know it’s a little bit different [with the No. 1 pick in this draft]. I’ve heard rumblings that this draft is weak and stuff like that, so it does put me at ease a little bit. But at the same time, I know I still have to perform at the level expected of me.”

“Clearly, we’re taking Blake Griffin,” Clippers General Manager and Coach Mike Dunleavy said in a telephone interview from Barcelona, Spain. “This guy is the No. 1 pick. We’re extremely excited. He’s the guy.”

Still, the Clippers are not through with decisions. Griffin’s addition will raise questions about what to do with the big men currently on the roster: Zach Randolph, Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman. Dunleavy spoke about Griffin as a major asset. Said Roeser: “It’s not a good problem. It’s a great problem.”

Meet your new team-appointed mentor, Blake. We know him as Zach, but his friends call him Z-Bo.