The next overrated, athletic hype machine is in full swing. Blake Griffin, now entering his third season, is destined to share as many footnotes with Carter as possible. Right down to the chicken wing. However, there's hope for Griffin to be saved. He can succeed where Carter continually failed.
Griffin's best hope comes in the form of a 6 foot pitbull who goes by the name Chris Paul. Aside from LeBron and maybe Steve Nash, no one makes their teammates better like Paul. He is a do it all point guard that will get the most out of Griffin. Too bad Paul can't shoot free-throws for him.
Griffin also benefits from the position he plays. Even with his raw skills, he can still compete against softer defenders such as Gasol, Aldridge and Bosh. Griffin is also a natural rebounder. On the other hand, Vince Carter started his career having to guard old Jordan, Pierce and Kobe. And he has finished his career playing defense (or lack there of) on LeBron, Wade and...still Kobe.
But there's no excuse for either of these guys. Griffin is only entering his third year and he will improve, but he should tone down the cockiness. As for Carter, his indifference on the court is an example of the 'bad NBA'. At the end of the day, Vince Carter is a footnote and a highlight reel while guys less talented than he (i.e. Paul Pierce and Chauncey Billups) have gone on to championships and emerged as team leaders.
Everybody loves dunks. You'd be insane not to. But there's more to basketball than throwing down an electrifying windmill. Vince Carter never fully learned that. Let's hope Griffin becomes the complete player he can be.
Tip for Blake: Checkout Kevin Love. He's the guy you should want to play like.
And Vince: No tip, but that Olympic dunk was awesome.
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