With the #1 Pick in the Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers Select Blake Griffin

The Los Angles Clippers have managed only one winning season in over 15 years, and are frequent participants in the NBA draft lottery. So, when the Clippers pick 1^st in this years draft, you hope they get it right, but are prepared for them to get it wrong. Unless something drastic happens, the Clippers will use the pick on University of Oklahoma star Blake Griffin. When you listen to Griffin, he seems excited for the opportunity to play for the Clippers, that in itself says a lot about the young man. Last year as a sophomore, Griffin averaged 22.7 ppg and 14.2 rpg for Oklahoma. The athletic forward may make Clippers fans forget draft day mistakes of the past.

The last time Los Angeles had the first pick in the draft, 1998, they selected Michael Olowakandi. The Clippers selected Olowakandi over players like, Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki, and Vince Carter. Of course it's easier to find fault with the pick after the fact, but it seems to be the Clippers luck. It seems whenever the Clippers begin to piece together a competitive team, something goes wrong.

After the 2007-2008 season, the Clippers obtained free agent Baron Davis, and they were excited to team him with Elton Brand. Unfortunately, Brand left for Philly, leaving the Clippers to wonder what might have been. Hopefully Griffin can step into Brand's shoes and team with Baron Davis to create excitement and wins in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again NBA Champions, bringing their championship total to 15. The Los Angeles Clippers have 0. The Clippers share a city and stadium with the Lakers and that's where the similarities end. On June 25^th, the Clippers will select a player they hope will help close the cap. Blake Griffin appears to be the logical pick, but we are talking about the Clippers, so fans will have their fingers crossed as the pick is announced.

Sources:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/200129-the-five-most-pivotal-draft-moves-in-the-history-of-the-braves-clippers-franchise#page/5
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/news/story?id=4181208http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/griffin_workout_090606.html
http://www.nba.com/clippers/history/recaps.html