Blake Griffin can add NBA All Star to his list of accolades for his first NBA season. He was selected as a reserve after the coaches of Western Conference voted him in. He will be a busy body during the weekend, now participating in two days of All Star Weekend activities.

Griffin will participate in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, which he is the favorite to win, and then play in the All Star Game on Sunday. He joins the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook as the only other first timer for the Western Conference.

In a season where other  noteworthy candidates like double-double machine Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, super scorer Monta Ellis, and the Western Conference assist leader Steve Nash cannot find a spot on the roster, it makes Griffin’s accomplishment that much more astonishing. Yahoo! Sports’ Marc J. Spears has a great article on the all snubbed team here.

Of all these players whom are stars on teams with losing records, Griffin is far and away the most worthy candidate, as he did something none of these other players have for their respective franchises: he has restored hope and forced his fans to believe in a future. Griffin has been posting 23 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, and doing it in monster fashion.

Griffin is well on his way to the path of NBA greatness, and has even made this writer forget about the woes and curses bestowed upon the Los Angeles Clippers during the past. That alone is a feat deserving of an All Star selection.

It will be sad to not see Steve Nash there, as he posting unbelievable assist totals working in the Post-Amare-Stoudemire-Era in Phoenix. I could see him making the roster as injury replacement players begin joining the roster.

Blake Griffin, the “rookie” with the Los Angeles Clippers, simply put, is on fire. He is averaging 20.2 Points and 11.6 rebounds a game. It’s as if he came out of the NBA Jam video game, and has flames coming off the ball. The man-child’s ability to pluck missed careens and stuff them back into the cup with one hand are breath taking to watch.

Although he is working extremely hard, Griffin makes it look easy. He’s so dominant and unstoppable in the paint that the only player I can compare Griffin to is Shawn Kemp. I believe Griffin will prove to be far better than Kemp ever was. I know that is a huge statement to attempt making, but believe it is crystal clear for anyone to believe just by watching Griffin play.

I do not want to make this a statistical comparison arguing this average and that adjusted etc., eventually somehow proving I can conclude that Kemp is better pre-alcohol abuse days, and that Griffin would be at level Z had he not attended college, etc. I am going to come right out and say what I believe is clearly the most obvious reason:

Griffin is a smarter basketball player than Kemp ever was. Period. He is likely smarter then LeBron James too.

Unlike Kemp (a player whom was kicked out of college, and played some a year of community college ball – hardly a monicker noteworthy of inclusion due to such a low level of competition), or LeBron, Griffin has legitimate college education on his resume. It is also safe to consider that Griffin outworks both of them.

Not only does Griffin possesse the athleticism and quickness of LeBron, but unlike LeBron, Griffin is unafraid to earn his nightly contributions to the stat sheet by working deep within the paint. While LeBron has the build and stature to make a living in the paint, he doesn’t seem to have the balls to do so the way Griffin does. LeBron prefers to stay outside, slash around, and jack up threes far too much for someone with the build of NFL tightend. Maybe if LeBron played a buit more like Griffin, the Heat would currently have a better record.

I believe Griffin is more Kemp-like than LeBron-like because he rips the ball out of the air, or someone’s hand, and proceeds to capitalize with his athleticism and strength by attempting to bring the entire roof down with powerful moves that take direct aim at the rim. Regardless of who or what interferes with his intended trajectory, Griffin is coming at you, and through you, if you are in his way.

That is how Griffin plays. He will not whine like a LeBron, he prefers to beast his way to the cup like Kemp did. You remember the Kemp who was in shape, throwing down ridiculous dunks, playing in the NBA Finals against Michael Jordan? If not, I demand you to attend the online courses of Shawn Kemp on youtube.com immediately. The comparison to Griffin and Kemp becomes clear cut after dong so.

Expect Griffin to continue his course into the being premier dominant power forward in the NBA. His raw aggression and hustle will outshine the finesse and wit of an aging Pau Gasol over the next few seasons, and with Tim Duncan obviously nearing retirement with every passing second, the spotlight as the best power forward will rest in Griffin’s strong, yet gentle hands. It’s a safe bet that Griffin’s beastly style of basketball will take him to the top with the same swiftness that he attacks the rim.

The Los Angeles Clippers announced today that Blake Griffin will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his fractured patella. Griffin was slated to return this month but after increasing his rehabilitation workload he experienced pain, and it was then discovered that his knee cap was not healing as well as first anticipated.

Blake Griffin will have to wait until next year (Credit: ESPN)

Griffin had been running on an anti-gravity treadmill and using other sorts of futuristic rehabilitation devices, but unfortunately invasive surgery will be the only way to heal his ailing knee.

Griffin showed major promise during the preseason before succumbing to injury, but now joins the list of #1 draft pick disappointments for the Clippers. Perhaps the “Clippers Curse” is alive and well in this new decade. Griffin unfortunately also joins former #1 draft selection Greg Oden as recent #1 overall picks not playing in their first season due to injury.

The Clippers have been managing to play well without him this year, so at least he will not be bearing the brunt of bust chatter as Oden did. Besides, Clippers fans are used to this sort of thing by now. It is not like they passed on Michael Jordan, and drafted Sam Bowie.

Blake Griffin had a spectacular Las Vegas Summer League and preseason filled with many highlights. Today it was announced he has a fractured kneecap, and he will miss at least 6 weeks.

Living in Los Angeles allows me to watch and examine every second Blake Griffin plays. This made me very excited, as he is simply awesome.

"I don't believe in the curse....." (Credit: ESPN)

I noticed him grab his knee after landing a bit straight-legged after flushing a stupid-powerful, one-handed tomahawk dunk vs the New Orleans Hornets. He kept on playing, and I just figured maybe he bumped knees with someone during the play.

Evidently, no such luck.

Routine monster dunk, untouched and unscathed, but unable to stick the landing. This beats the drum of Shaun Livingston, but is much worse.

Check it out:

In standard protocol of the legendary curse of the Los Angeles Clippers, this happened during the final preseason game. The Clipper nation basically had a few weeks to get fired up about their team’s future, only to have it shattered again. This curse must love irony.

If you drafted Griffin in your fantasy league, your fantasy league is now cursed as well.

What do the Clippers fans need to do to avoid this kind of bad break (no pun intended)? Sacrificial rituals?

In a more selfish view, this pretty much clears the path for my prediction that Stephen Curry will win Rookie of the Year.

My heart is truly goes out to the Clippers fans. Griffin made me sit up an pay close attention to the Clippers this preseason. His play is inspirational to his team. His relentless hustle is contagious, and the Clippers played far better with him on the floor than without.

Unfortunately, it seems like the Curse of the Clippers might be the only thing stronger than Blake Griffin.

Those of you who watched the NBA summer league games via the broadband internet package might be scratching your heads today. The top overall pick from last month’s draft, Blake Griffin, was selected as the MVP. He had nothing on Anthony Randolph. Let the NBA Summer League scandal begin!

Do you think I deserve my MVP bro? (Credit: AP)

Who voted for this? Was it inside job by Donald Sterling to sell more season tickets without having to sign Allen Iverson to do so?

Clippers: home of the Summer League MVP Blake Griffin. Buy tickets now!

Randolph scored 7.4 points, 2.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game more than Griffin, while shooting 11% better from the floor.

"We'll see who is better come Nov 15th" (Credit: sfgate.com)

Did Griffin win this award simply because he lived up to the hype?

Or is it because of his 2.3 more rebounds per game than Randolph? Maybe it’s the 1.7 more assists per game?

Randolph was clearly the Summer League’s best overall player on both ends of the floor.

There are only two glaring factors to consider why this happened, but nothing to justify the mistake the NBA made.

Randolph was robbed by the NBA this summer. (Credit: lasvegassun.com)

REASON #1: The out of site out of mind phenomenon.

Randolph played his last game July 14th.  The voters must have forgotten how dominant he was by the final day of play, July 19th. How can you forget Randolph in only 5 days?

The out of sight out of mind phenomenon of course!

REASON #2 Griffin played  every game.

Randolph played four games while Griffin played five. After a game in which you drop in 42 points you have proven your point. Why risk injury to your prospect? Of course you shelve your star right then and there. Why was Griffin MVP?

It was because he played in every game of course!

The games are still available online to subscribers for another week via the broadband on demand package. People can view the NBA’s mistake for one week longer via the internet.

Hopefully, people will watch and decide for themselves how badly the NBA blew this one.

Can’t wait for the first Warriors/Clippers game (November 15 in the land of smog) so this can be decided on the court.

The 2009 NBA Draft is in the books begging the question: What teams added the piece that will help them out of the lottery and into the playoffs next year? The Bulls, Heat, and Blazers—lottery teams from 2008—made the playoffs, replaced this year by Phoenix, Toronto, and Washington (who traded their pick to Minnesota). Below is Protect the Paint’s grades for what this year’s lottery teams did with their lottery pick and a prediction of their lottery-status for next season.

Blake Griffin should start immediately (Credit: ESPN)

#1     Los Angeles Clippers        Blake Griffin            Grade: A

No surprise here. Look for the Clippers to make some roster moves to insure Griffin a starting spot and get rid of some locker room headaches. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be better, but the Western Conference is stacked, so back to the lottery.

Can Thabeet develop an offensive game? (Credit: ESPN)

#2     Memphis Grizzlies        Hasheem Thabeet        Grade: B

The next Dikembe Mutombo? Thabeet should be an immediate impact player on the defensive end. Luckily for him, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo will be taking most of the shots. Lookout if he develops an offensive game. He should be in the league for his D alone for years to come. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

James Harden might be the best player of the draft class (Credit: ESPN)

#3    Oklahoma City Thunder    James Harden            Grade: B

The Thunder eliminated their biggest weakness and gave Russell Westbrook a running mate in the backcourt. The combination of Westbrook, Harden, Jeff Green, and Kevin Durant is downright frightening for what the future has in store for the Thunder. Look for this team to dramatically improve their win total (23) from last year. NEXT YEAR: much improved, but back to the lottery.

The Kings surprised everyone by selecting Evans over Rubio (Credit: ESPN)

#4    Sacramento Kings        Tyreke Evans            Grade: D

This was a shocker. It seemed every mock draft, rumor, or news report had Ricky Rubio coming to Sac-town. Evans has flaws in his overall game. He is raw, but there is an abundance of raw, young talent in Sacramento. In three years, one must question where Evans will be in comparison to Rubio. Low grade is for not selecting Rubio. The kid displayed abilities and poise years beyond his age in the Olympics against the redeem team. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Ricky Rubio will likely be dealt or play next season in Europe (Credit: ESPN)

#5    Minnesota Timberwolves    Ricky Rubio            Grade: B
The T-Wolves got their man with Rubio. Flynn (see 6th pick) is an athletic, charismatic type player whom will lift his teammates on and off the court. However, he is one of 5 guards selected by Minnesota. We here at Protect the Paint envision Rubio emerging as a superstar in this league. Look for multiple moves in the near future from Minnesota. A good question is if Rubio even plays in the NBA this year. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Jonny Flynn has the talent to star in Minnesota for years to come (Credit: ESPN)

#6    Minnesota Timberwolves    Johnny Flynn            Grade: B-
Guard #2 of 5 selected by Minnesota. It will be very interesting to see who is dealt and who is kept. With Minnesota’s luck, it is a safe bet the guy dealt experiences greater NBA prosperity. Right now, Rubio has far more trade value. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Stephen Curry: NBA Rookie of the Year? (Credit: ESPN)

#7    Golden State Warriors        Stephen Curry            Grade: A+
The Warriors high-octane offense just acquired a serious scoring threat. Scouting reports knocked his defense and decision-making. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Bay Area. The only disclaimer in Oakland: the brass told Monta Ellis they would not select a PG. If the two can get along, the Warriors could be quite dangerous when going small. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Hill is the Knicks consolation prize after Curry was taken at 7. (Credit: ESPN)

#8    New York Knicks        Jordan Hill            Grade: C+
The Knicks lost out big time by not being able to draft Stephen Curry but are satisfied with Hill. Hill provides immediate relief if David Lee leaves. Pundits believe he will thrive in Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun style of play. Will the Knicks ever be good again? NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Can DeRozen make Chris Bosh reconsider leaving Toronto? (Credit: ESPN)

#9    Toronto Raptors        DeMar DeRozan        Grade: A-
This is possibly the best pick the Raptors could have hoped for. DeRozen is freakishly athletic.  Will be a key piece in forcing Chris Bosh to consider staying, If Bosh leaves, Toronto has a solid component to build around for the future. NEXT YEAR: if they keep Chris Bosh, this should be a playoff team in 2010.

Brandon Jennings appears poised to excel for the Bucks (Credit: ESPN)

#10    Milwaukee Bucks        Brandon Jennings        Grade: B-
It will be interesting to listen, watch, and read about how coach Scott Skiles and his new point guard get along. It could be like dynamite and nitro glycerin. With Richard Jefferson gone, and rumors of Luke Ridnour being on the block, Jennings and Ramon Sessions will form the nucleus of a young Bucks backcourt. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Terrence Williams joins a crowded backcourt in New Jersey (Credit: ESPN)

#11    New Jersey Nets        Terrence Williams        Grade: B
Williams will fit into a young backcourt rotation of Devon Harris, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Courtney Lee now that Vince Carter is headed to Orlando. If he learns to be consistent as a pro he will be fun to watch. It is a safe bet New Jersey might hold a higher pick in next years draft with their youth movement officially set in motion. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Michael Jordan drafted archrival school Duke's Henderson (Credit: ESPN)

#12    Charlotte Bobcats        Gerald Henderson        Grade: C-
Wow, Michael Jordan drafted a Dukie. At least he didn’t draft fellow UNC alum Tyler Hansbrough (see next pick). Henderson is super-athletic a very good defensive player. Will need to develop more of an offensive game or he could become the next Bruce Bowen (minus the corner three). Weird pick with Earl Clark still on the board. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be a better team, but back to the lottery.

Indiana failed heinously selecting Tyler Hansbrough (Credit: ESPN)

#13    Indiana Pacers            Tyler Hansbrough        Grade: F*
Hansbrough might be a tough guy—a blue-collar worker whom Indiana fans will appreciate—but he appears to be a man without a position in the NBA. Lacks the foot speed and athleticism to succeed at this level. Indiana blew it. This organization already misses Donnie Walsh. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

*F grade due to who was selected at pick #14.

Brandon Jennings stepped in late on behalf the 14th pick Earl Clark (Credit: ESPN)

#14    Phoenix Suns            Earl Clarke            Grade:  A
The Suns are obviously in a rebuilding mode. Earl Clark is a shooting guard in a big man’s body and will give the team versatility. Good ball handler for his size (like a right-handed Lamar Odom). Needs to improve his range. If the rumors about his lack of work ethic prove unfounded, Phoenix could have the steal of the 2009 NBA Draft. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

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The division featuring the 2008-09 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers will have other teams in the division seeking out immediate help to contend during the 2009-10 season. Look out for a healthy Los Angeles Clippers roster with Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon leading the way to contend this season as the best in the west.

Yup, we said it. The Clippers.

Griffin will make an immediate impact in the NBA (Credit: northwesternwins.com)

Los Angeles Lakers (65-17)     The Lakers could lose Lamar Odom, and Trevor Ariza to free agency. Although highly unlikely, it is a possibility. The only real weakness the defending champs will have is depth at point guard.  Jordan Farmar has not proven his worth as a long-term solution. Look for LA to see what is left on the table with the 29th pick. Perhaps they will stay local and draft another UCLA alum in Darren Collison. If not, they would need to go for the best available player like Marcus Thornton.

Phoenix Suns (46-36)    With a team full of veterans and no room on the roster, we suggest you keep your eyes on the trade market as with only $7 Million of salary on Goran Dragic, Jared Dudley, Robin Lopez, Louis Amundson and Alando Tucker,  With Dragic expected to see an increase in tim t his year, It might be a stretch, but Chase Budinger would be a nice local fit after playing down at the road at Arizona last season.  If not Budinger, perhaps James Johnson is another suitable option at SF.

Jennings has 1 year of pro experience in Europe. (Credit: Rueters)

Golden State Warriors (29-53)    The Warriors are at a crossroads. Their most glaring need is a true point guard. Monta Ellis is supposed to be their 1, but he is absolutely a pure 2 in a 1’s body.  Even though Ellis was promised by management a PG would not be drafted, look for the Warriors to select either Brandon Jennings, Jonny Flynn or Stephen Curry. Curry would fit into Nelsons offense almost immediately. If the Warriors draft Curry, watch out for trades coming out of Oakland in the immediate future.

Los Angeles Clippers (19-63)    This is a no brain decision. Blake Griffin. Look forward to having two franchises in Los Angeles at the top of this division very soon. With Eric Gordon having starters minutes and a healthy roster from the start of the year, look out for Blake Griffin and the Clippers

RIcky Rubio is a hot NBA draft commodity (Credit: panaramio.com)

Sacramento Kings (17-65)    The Kings need one position desperately filled in the Sactramento: a solid PG. If  not available with the 4th overall pick, it is within reason to see the Kings making draft day moves to secure Ricky Rubio as their long term investment at PGs. If Rubio is not available,  look for Jonny Flynn, Brandon Jennings, and as a long shot we have Jeff Teague.