Blake Griffin SELECTED BY: Clippers Round 1 (1)

SI Rank 10

BIOGRAPHY: Griffin figured to be a top-5 pick after nearly averaging a double-double in his freshman season, and after averaging 22.7 points and a national-best 14.4 rebounds, there is no debate - barring a shocking decision by whichever team wins the draft lottery - Griffin will be the No. 1 pick. There's not much to nitpick with the Oklahoma City native. He's an absolute beast on the boards and became a much better offensive player as a sophomore, leading the Sooners to the regional finals before losing to eventual national champion North Carolina. He wasn't just a threat to record a double-double - it was pretty much automatic every time he stepped on the floor. By all accounts Griffin is a high-character guy with great work ethic, so any thoughts of him falling for his own hype are likely a non-issue. Griffin came to college with an incredibly impressive build and only figures to get stronger once an NBA training staff gets a hold of him, so he'll have no issues taking a pounding in the paint. A rare type that can be equally effective facing up or with his back to the basket, Griffin has also shown that he can go off the glass with a mid-range jumper. If there is a question with him, though, it is his jump shots, but it's natural for a 20-year-old power forward to not be a great shooter from 15 to 18 feet. Likewise, he'll have to work on becoming a better defender in the post, but he's not a foul machine like some young big men are. With his humble attitude, he may not be the most vocal leader, but Tim Duncan wasn't much of a vocal leader in college either. He obviously turned out just fine in that department and Griffin should as well once he establishes himself. There is a good chance Griffin can become a 20-point, 10-rebound player and a future All-Star.