Blake Griffin vs. Tiago Splitter

[ezau]

Two of the best big men rookies in the upcoming NBA season. I haven't seen much of Griffin's game, but seeing how well Splitter have improved in Europe, who is the better big man? Splitter or Griffin?

[Muser]

Griffin, he has the potential to be a franchise guy.

[widowmaker]

Tiago. He's actually played.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

It may be that Tiago has a better "rookie" season seeing as he is older, has played high level professional basketball in Europe, and has a lot of international experience, but Blake Griffin (barring health issues) is the best big man prospect I've seen since Tim Duncan. He plays excellent defense, he's fundamentally sound, has a high basketball IQ, and is very physically mature and athletically built. Sky's the limit for that guy and he will almost certainly have a better overall career than Tiago (who I still think is going to be quite good in his own right).

[xellos88330]

Right now I am going to say Tiago.

In a year or two, it will most likely be Griffin hands down.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

It may be that Tiago has a better "rookie" season seeing as he is older, has played high level professional basketball in Europe, and has a lot of international experience, but Blake Griffin (barring health issues) is the best big man prospect I've seen since Tim Duncan. He plays excellent defense, he's fundamentally sound, has a high basketball IQ, and is very physically mature and athletically built. Sky's the limit for that guy and he will almost certainly have a better overall career than Tiago (who I still think is going to be quite good in his own right).

I would have agreed with you, but let's not forget it's the Clippers, they always find ways to mess things up horribly.

[widowmaker]

Really? In the NBA?

What do you think the answer to your question is?? He's played in an actual league and has proven himself in that league. I think he's got a better chance of proving himself in this league before Blake Griffen does.

[mudyez]

Splitter vs Cousins would have been more interesting!

[Booharv]

This is hilarious. Splitter is in the lead. He's good but c'mon.

[Muser]

lol @ Splitter actually winning this poll.

[Texas_Ranger]

I'd go with Tiago. He was the best big man in Europe, MVP of the Spanish league, which is in my opinion the best league in Europe. And playing in Eurleague is much tougher than playing 2 years in college. I know Blake played pretty good in his 7 games last year but even fuckin Beno had good stats and he's not really a great player. Blake will have better stats than Tiago but I gues he will also play 20 minutes more than Splitter. So right now Tiago's my man.

[tuncaboylu]

Really? In the NBA?

Tiago played as much as Griffin in NBA, if you ask.

[coyotes_geek]

I have no doubts that Splitter is going to be a very good player for us, but let's not get carried away.

[Veterinarian]

I voted Splitter because if he wins it will make this thread hilarious three months from now.

[biziofromdowntown]

i'm for Griffin

[ffadicted]

This poll is the definition of just how bad the homerism is on this board

[Obstructed_View]

The only way Splitter turns out to be better is if Griffin never gets over that knee.

[rascal]

Another example of this site overrating Spur players.

[yavozerb]

Any knee injury that can keep a big man away from the game of basketball for over 1 season is not good. Honestly, right now I would say splitter until I see Griffin play. Last season I would have without a doubt had said Griffin was the more talented player.

[ElNono]

I don't know how Blake Griffin is going to turn out (he could easily be the second coming of Greg Oden), but I'm sure some people are going to be severely disappointed after watching Splitter play. Especially in his rookie season.

[My Fault]

Wow, people are gonna be real upset when they see Tiago play.

[lebomb]

Wow, people are gonna be real upset when they see Tiago play.


In a good way? or bad? :(

[Thomas82]

I don't know how Blake Griffin is going to turn out (he could easily be the second coming of Greg Oden), but I'm sure some people are going to be severely disappointed after watching Splitter play. Especially in his rookie season.

This is why I felt like we should have gambled and moved up in the draft.

[smrattler]

Ian Mahnimi has more potential than either of these guys.

[yavozerb]

Wow, people are gonna be real upset when they see Tiago play.
In my opinion Tiago will average 11/7 in his rookie season. Expecting anything more would be setting yourself up for dissapointment. Griffin will get much more PT than Splitter and I expect about 16/8 from griffin in his rookie season. Again, hopefully Griffin is over his knee injury cause he seems like a good kid.

[smrattler]

Can I vote for Tiago twice?

[coyotes_geek]

In my opinion Tiago will average 11/7 in his rookie season. Expecting anything more would be setting yourself up for dissapointment. Griffin will get much more PT than Splitter and I expect about 16/8 from griffin in his rookie season. Again, hopefully Griffin is over his knee injury cause he seems like a good kid.

Even 11 & 7 for Tiago sounds high to me. He's still going to have to split frontcourt minutes with Dyess, Blair and Bonner. Something closer to 8 & 6 in 20-25 mpg is what I'm expecting.

[Ginnoobbllee]

I would trade Tim Duncan straight up for Blake Griffin right now, if the Clips would do it, given that Griffin has a long career ahead of him and Tim is on the decline. I think he will actually be the "next" Tim Duncan.
:wow

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I would trade Tim Duncan straight up for Blake Griffin right now, if the Clips would do it, given that Griffin has a long career ahead of him and Tim is on the decline. I think he will actually be the "next" Tim Duncan.
:wow

I've heard a lot of people say the very same thing about Duncan for Oden a couple of years ago...

[will_spurs]

I hope we will be pleasantly surprised by what Splitter can do for the Spurs, but let's keep some kind of perspective here: only one of these guys is a potential franchise player at this stage.

[Sotongball21]

I am expecting the playing time to be split evenly with Duncan, Dice and Splitter. Bonner and Blair's playing time would come down to the night's match-up.

That gives splitter 25-30 minutes and with that, i think he'll get 13-8-3.

Griffin would have more opportunity to showcase his talents.

[hater]

wow what crack r u smoking???

Griffin is a #1 pick in any draft even this years

Splitter should be compared to Oden at most

[ohmwrecker]

wow what crack r u smoking???

Griffin is a #1 pick in any draft even this years

Splitter should be compared to Oden at most

Oden was also a #1 pick. So was Kwame Brown, Michael Olowokandi, Joe Smith, Pervis Ellison . . .

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

He averaged 13 and 5 in Euroleague, yet he will average 13-8-3 in the NBA.

John Wall averaged 16 and 6 in college, yet I'm pretty sure his numbers will be better in the NBA. Not that I agree with 13-8-3 for Splitter, it's ridiculous, but Euroleague stats aren't necessarily a great indicator when the player comes to the NBA.

I'd say 8-6-1 in 25 mins would be great.

[ffadicted]

Oden was also a #1 pick. So was Kwame Brown, Michael Olowokandi, Joe Smith, Pervis Ellison . . .

You should work for an NBA team as a talent scout imo, your logic is clearly flawless

[Darkwaters]

This is hilarious. Splitter is in the lead. He's good but c'mon.

I'm starting up another poll after this one, but I'll give you all a peek.

Who is better?

Michael Jordan
Keith Bogans

[ohmwrecker]

Blake Griffin has more potential to be a 20/10 guy, but I think Tiago will eventually be better defensively just because he has the physical presence of an NBA big. Griffin's knee is a big concern. I can't help but think he might be a little cautious in his first year. I think Splitter is going to be more of a energy/hustle guy in his first year and his impact might not be reflected so much in stats.
The argument is pretty stupid considering neither one has played one minute of NBA basketball.

[hater]

Oden was also a #1 pick. So was Kwame Brown, Michael Olowokandi, Joe Smith, Pervis Ellison . . .



Griffin is a #1 pick in any draft even this years

[yavozerb]

Tiago is going to average more like 9 and 5-6.

Do you guys even know how Tiago plays? your picking this guy over the #1 pick of the draft two years ago in Griffin who has a much HIGHER ceiling than Tiago.

You do realize that Griffin has not played basketball in over a year cause of a knee injury. I would agree with you if we had this conversation last year, but a player who depends more on there athletic ability than actual skill level like Griffin has done up to this season is going to take time to adjust.

[yavozerb]

Even 11 & 7 for Tiago sounds high to me. He's still going to have to split frontcourt minutes with Dyess, Blair and Bonner. Something closer to 8 & 6 in 20-25 mpg is what I'm expecting.

I cannot disgree with you on this one..

[ohmwrecker]

You should work for an NBA team as a talent scout imo, your logic is clearly flawless

You should open a comedy club, your sense of humor and sarcasm are honed like a razor.

Give Hater 15 minutes a night.

[SsKSpurs21]

Tiago is going to average more like 9 and 5-6.

Do you guys even know how Tiago plays? your picking this guy over the #1 pick of the draft two years ago in Griffin who has a much HIGHER ceiling than Tiago.

If i was given the option to swap splitter for griffin, i would do it in a heart beat, hands down, without hesitation, no questions asked.

like someone said earlier, blake griffin has the potential not seen since 1997 when a certain wake forest PF came into the league. the guy is a beast. blake griffin would be the only guy i can see that would force pop to move tim to C if he was on the team. he is not a guy you bring off the bench. right now tiago is not even considered to start.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I'm sure the Spurs would trade Tiago for Griffin in a heartbeat. If Griffin comes back from his knee injury anywhere close to where he was he has mad inside and outside game. Big time athletism and hops with some bulk. It is quite possible that Tiago will look better this season as I think there will be a little bit less of an adjustment from Euroleague to the NBA than from the Big 12 (10?). Also, these types of knee injuries usually require 2 years for the athlete to return to form (which, in a side note, is why I think Brand will have a big year). However, beyond that Griffin could easily be a franchise player while I doubt Tiago will rise to that level.

[ohmwrecker]

It's ridiculous to make your point of Griffin over Splitter by comparing Griffin to Duncan. How can I possibly take that seriously?

[ffadicted]

If i was given the option to swap splitter for griffin, i would do it in a heart beat, hands down, without hesitation, no questions asked.

like someone said earlier, blake griffin has the potential not seen since 1997 when a certain wake forest PF came into the league. the guy is a beast. blake griffin would be the only guy i can see that would force pop to move tim to C if he was on the team. he is not a guy you bring off the bench. right now tiago is not even considered to start.

I would trade Splitter, Blair/Hill and 2 firsts for Blake, and the clippers would still laugh at my face

[yavozerb]

Do you guys even know how Tiago plays? your picking this guy over the #1 pick of the draft two years ago in Griffin who has a much HIGHER ceiling than Tiago.[/QUOTE]

Do you? Have you ever seen him play before?


I would trade Splitter for Oden too.

:lol, thank goodness RC does not think like you do.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I would trade Splitter for Oden too.

But Oden is like 15 years older than Tiago...

[ohmwrecker]

I would trade Splitter, Blair/Hill and 2 firsts for Blake, and the clippers would still laugh at my face

For a player with surgically repaired knee stress fracture who hasn't played one minute of NBA basketball?

You ARE funny.

[ffadicted]

For a player with surgically repaired knee stress fracture who hasn't played one minute of NBA basketball?

Yes

[GrandeDavid]

Splitter's yet to play a game in the NBA, so I have no idea who is better at this point.

[hater]

Oden + Duncan would destroy the league, even with Duncan at this stage in his career.

Sorry but the jury is still out on Oden. He hasn't proven shit in professional level.

[yavozerb]

Splitter's yet to play a game in the NBA, so I have no idea who is better at this point.

actually, neither player has yet to play an NBA game yet. so yes, we are all jumping the gun but there really isnt anything else to talk about right now.

[Brazil]

speaking about homerism.... lol

[ElNono]

Duncan at this stage has better knees than Oden and Bynum combined...

[ElNono]

This is why I felt like we should have gambled and moved up in the draft.

Move up in the draft for what? There was nothing up there in this draft...

[elbamba]

Splitter will have 3-4 players ahead of him on the depth chart in Tim, Manu, Tony and (RJ?). Tiago will be lucky to average 10 and 7 with 1 block a game in my book. I just want him to play defense and score an occasional bucket, we will not need much more from him his rookie year.

Blake will be the go to guy if he is healthy. He will play 40+ minutes and be allowed to do whatever he wants. Splitter might make the all-rookie first or second team but Griffen could be the ROY with the opportunities he is going to have in LA.

[Texas_Ranger]

What are some of you talking about Griffin not yet playing. He played 7 games last season.

[ajh18]

I think a much more fair question is which player will be better able to meet their team's expectations of them. Tiago is just expected to come in and be a smart role player, solid defender, and someone who can play the pick and roll.

Griffin is expected to be a franchise player. A player you can build a team around and who can lead that team at least to the playoffs with minimum help. Look at Garnett, Duncan, Lebron, Carmelo, Shaq, Morning, Robinson, etc etc etc. Tiago's expected performance is closer to Varejo, Haywood, Rasho, Scola, Noah, or Biedrens. I could definitely see Splitter reaching those levels with more success than Griffin meets those set for him.

[callo1]

Don't be insane homers, Griffin is well ahead of
Tiago offensively. Defense is closer, but Griffin still wins imho.

[George Gervin's Afro]

Uh, Griffin is going to be an all star and perennial All NBA.. Tiago? not so much

[will_spurs]

What are some of you talking about Griffin not yet playing. He played 7 games last season.

Average 13.7 and 8.1 (with 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks) in 28 minutes of play... but that was the preseason. He never played a regular season game, his knee injury was diagnosed just the day before the start of regular season.

[pjjrfan]

The only way Splitter turns out to be better is if Griffin never gets over that knee.
That's the way I see it. But that's not to say Splitter will be a dud, I am sure he will be a solid player in this league.

[Texas_Ranger]

Average 13.7 and 8.1 (with 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks) in 28 minutes of play... but that was the preseason. He never played a regular season game, his knee injury was diagnosed just the day before the start of regular season.

ups... sorry. :(

[Johnny RIngo]

Griffin has all-star potential while Splitter looks to be a role player. Can't believe there are 35+ Spur fans who'd rather have Splitter. It's almost embarrassing.

[SsKSpurs21]

I think a much more fair question is which player will be better able to meet their team's expectations of them. Tiago is just expected to come in and be a smart role player, solid defender, and someone who can play the pick and roll.

Griffin is expected to be a franchise player. A player you can build a team around and who can lead that team at least to the playoffs with minimum help. Look at Garnett, Duncan, Lebron, Carmelo, Shaq, Morning, Robinson, etc etc etc. Tiago's expected performance is closer to Varejo, Haywood, Rasho, Scola, Noah, or Biedrens. I could definitely see Splitter reaching those levels with more success than Griffin meets those set for him.

good take.

[JR3]

I'm for Griffin, but I went to OU so...

[Man In Black]

I remember that when Parker was drafted, people were like...who is this surprise Frenchman?
Look at all the talent at PG that was still on the board!!!!

Too bad the Pacers got Tinsley at #27, 1 pick ahead of the Spurs at #28.
What about Omar Cook from Saint John's, Will Solomon from Clemson, Earl Watson from UCLA, or Jamison Brewer from Auburn. All players from established schools. Why the Frenchman? Yeah...out of all those guys from established programs, only Watson & Tinsley stuck in the league. And none of those guys have accomplished anything close to Parker. So why are we discrediting Splitter? Hell, if Griffin went to Texas at Austin, you guys would have him on an even higher pedestal. I've seen Blake Griffin before in the NBA, he was...Wayman Tisdale, also of Oklahoma, A beast of a player at 6'9" averaged 15 & 7 in his first season in the Pros. Consider that he's still 6'9" and overly relies on his athleticism, then I think his plateau is possibly Elton Brand but I think he ends up being just like Wayman Tisdale. As a long time follower of the Clippers, their history of overall #1 picks, including those who used to be College Player of the Year(Danny Manning) hasn't been all that awesome.
I'm choosing Splitter because he's a player who fits in what the Spurs do and isn't expected to carry the hopes of the franchise. Whereas, Griffin is supposed to help put fans in the arena and give them a show. Donald Sterling isn't an owner who will build a team unless his mis-matched parts miraculously blend, then, he'll pay SOME money.

And using past statistics doesn't always work. Question, when Brandon Jennings played in Italy, what were his stats there?
In Lega A for Basketball, Jennnings did this:Jennings averaged in 27 games, 5.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals in 17.0 minutes per game. He shot 35.1 percent from the field and 20.7 percent from 3 point range in Lega A play.
In Euro League:Jennings averaged 7.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 19.6 minutes per game. In the Euroleague he shot 38.7 percent from the field and 26.8 percent from 3 point range.
So because sucked in Europe, he'll suck even more in the NBA right? See, that logic doesn't work either.

I'm just saying, before you crown Griffin as better, take a look and look at fit on team, style of play, health(is he coming of a leg injury), and amount of experience. When it gets down to it, Splitter has him beat in all of the above. Will Splitter get pub? NO, the powers that be don't like to talk about the Spurs, they only do it begrudgingly.

[024]

the potential levels differ vastly. as for who i would want for next season, it would be a close call but griffin wins. as for the long term, lol of course griffin.

[The Squirrelyq]

I wasn't aware that people thought that Blake Griffin was a potential franchise player... Comparing him to Garnett and even Tim Duncan? What is wrong with you people? I would be surprised if he ever even sniffed 25 ppg and I cannot for the life of me picture him carrying a team at any point in his career. I always pictured him as a 16-18 ppg player averaging close to 10 boards. That being said, we are not going to get that from Tiago so... I guess I pick Griffin

[EmantheSpursFan]

if blake leaves the clippers he is pretty much guaranteed to be top 50 all time!
haha
:lol

[Man In Black]

Ummm...No, Griffin is not that good. You see that, but then you never saw Wayman Tisdale at Oklahoma or in the NBA averaging 20 & 8. He won't come close to Dwight Howard. He's the #1 pick and will be treated as a 1st year rook. Let's see if he makes 1st Team All-Rookie. I bet you, it ain't a lock. You're looking at this as a singular 1 v 1. When in actuality, it's a who fits better and will make more of an impact.
Ask last year's #2 how awesome the NBA is. One moment, you're can't miss, which is what many of you are saying about Griffin, the next moment, you're why aren't you the team's savior? RECOGNIZE!

[spursfan1000]

Griffin for sure, he is going to get more minutes then Splitter this upcoming season, and he is a whole lot more of potential, this dosen't deserve a comparison.

[Muser]

Damn ST is going to go into meltdown when they see Tiago play with these high expectations.

[spursfan1000]

Damn ST is going to go into meltdown when they see Tiago play with these high expectations.


Yes, but maybe he will live up to his expectations, we never know, im just expecting him to be a 9-6 guy in maybe 25 MPG.

[Man In Black]

I wonder how many of you guys are doing to Griffin, the same thing you guys did Beasley. Can't miss, he's going to help DWade a lot!

Or when we had the old Suckmywokandi arguments, he's a true 7 footer with skills, a former #1 pick...blah, blah, blah.

WE shall see, but I temper my enthusiasm and won't crown Griffin anything, he has to earn it. With Splitter, I know that we have a player that was good enough to do what Luis Scola had done, and that Luis' game translated very well to the NBA.

Yeah, I might be in the minority, but I've been there all my life. I'm telling you, Blake Griffin's ceiling is as a #2 star, not a franchise post player.

[Slinkyman]

Griffin will probably start for the clippers, Splitter will be lucky to get minutes behind Bonner. And i'm being serious.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Some people do not pay attention to the actual bust rate of NFL draftees. About half of the prospects ever drafted even in the lottery do not amount to shit.

Splitter has more experience and he played against much tougher competition and aquitted himself pretty damn well. Tau Ceramica would beat the shit out of any NCAA team.

[Muser]

Some people do not pay attention to the actual bust rate of NFL draftees. About half of the prospects ever drafted even in the lottery do not amount to shit.

Splitter has more experience and he played against much tougher competition and aquitted himself pretty damn well. Tau Ceramica would beat the shit out of any NCAA team.

Yeah all those other euro MVP's have done so well in the NBA too.

[coyotes_geek]

Some people do not pay attention to the actual bust rate of NFL draftees. About half of the prospects ever drafted even in the lottery do not amount to shit.

Splitter has more experience and he played against much tougher competition and aquitted himself pretty damn well. Tau Ceramica would beat the shit out of any NCAA team.

Let's not pretend like every euro star that comes over to the NBA ends up being a success.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Yeah all those other euro MVP's have done so well in the NBA too.


Let's not pretend like every euro star that comes over to the NBA ends up being a success.

My point is that it works both ways. Griffin is not in the caliber of a Shaquille O'Neal or a Tim Duncan entering the draft. Hell hes not even a Yao Ming.

Then you factor in that he is a big man with a bad knee that did not heal properly and this notion that hes a lock to do anything at all is laughable. Big men with knee problems from the start should send up a huge red flag.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

So you would take a hustle/energy player in Splitter over Blake Griffin?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=rotowire-lakeriffinneeettinge

He first injured the knee about a year ago and hejust now get healthy. So I would take a healthy player over a guy thats been hurt for his entire NBA career. I have not seen enough of Splitter to say either way but Griffin is a walking MASH unit.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

But imagine if Griffin was PF and Duncan at C.

That stomps over Duncan/Splitter combo.

Again Griffin is a big man with knee problems. His knee took forever to heal. Guys like Greg Oden and Andrew Bynum have chronic knee problems of the same mold. You just cannot ignore that.

[cornbread]

Tiago has my "unbiased" support but there's no way I can say with a straight face that he will play at higher level than Griffin. I hope Griffin proves me wrong.

[Thomas82]

Move up in the draft for what? There was nothing up there in this draft...

For either Favors or Cousins.

[ezau]

I wonder how many of you guys are doing to Griffin, the same thing you guys did Beasley. Can't miss, he's going to help DWade a lot!

Or when we had the old Suckmywokandi arguments, he's a true 7 footer with skills, a former #1 pick...blah, blah, blah.

WE shall see, but I temper my enthusiasm and won't crown Griffin anything, he has to earn it. With Splitter, I know that we have a player that was good enough to do what Luis Scola had done, and that Luis' game translated very well to the NBA.

Yeah, I might be in the minority, but I've been there all my life. I'm telling you, Blake Griffin's ceiling is as a #2 star, not a franchise post player.

Agree with you. Look at what happened to Odens, Olowakandis,and Kwames of the world

[Josepatches_]

Well,I saw them a lot in the spanish league and I can say Splitter is at least as good as Marc Gasol.Easily He could average 14-10 55% FG if he plays 32-34 min.
But San Antonio have too many weapons so Splitter isn't going to score more than 7-8 ppg

Of course Griffin must be better but Splitter could be the best big man who plays with TD since D-Rob.

[barbacoataco]

Agree with you. Look at what happened to Odens, Olowakandis,and Kwames of the world

Oden isn't completely written off yet. He just might put it together, at least for a couple of years. He has shown flashes of Shaq-like utter domination, but it all comes down to staying healthy for any period of time.

[mystargtr34]

Where the hell did this notion that Tiago Splitter is some defensive hustle role player come from? Because RC compared him to Anderson Varejao in an attempt to temper expectations .. And then a couple of reporters ran with it without watching him play. There are
ore differences to their games then there are similarities.

Sure Tiago can take a damn good charge and flop with the best of them... But apart from that they are different players. While Splitter is taller and longer and can probably offer more in terms of rim protection and shot blocking (despite his low BPG) .. Varejao is te tougher more physical and better man-to-man defender.

Offensively .. there isn't much of a comparison. Splitter is by far the more polished offensive player.. better post game.. better footwork.. better hands and ability to catch passes. He mightnot get the ability to show his skills on a consistant basis early on .. But they will e noticable.

Varejao really isn't the best comparison.

[mystargtr34]

Fuck I hate posting from my iPhone

[timvp]

I wouldn't trade Griffin for three Tiago Splitters. Let's be real.

[K-State Spur]

I wouldn't trade Griffin for three Tiago Splitters. Let's be real.

I wouldn't either, but the contrary isn't THAT outlandish.

What did Griffin do in the Big 12 that Beasley didn't? And most teams weren't willing to trade an empty roster spot for Beasley at this juncture.

[HankChinaski]

This seems like a thread that should be made and answered after twenty games into the season.

[ezau]

Oden isn't completely written off yet. He just might put it together, at least for a couple of years. He has shown flashes of Shaq-like utter domination, but it all comes down to staying healthy for any period of time.

Didn't everyone think that Oden is gonna be the next D-Rob:lmao:lmao

[ezau]

Fuck I hate posting from my iPhone

:lmao:lmao

[Man In Black]

Actually, this seems like a thread that needs to go at least to the end of Reg Season. I'm surprised at the variances in responses.
In a world of instant gratification and Slam Online, it would appear that a great many of posters here are easily swayed by the media outlets who inundate your mind with what they perceive you should think and do. DON'T BE A ROBOT!
Do your own research and format your own opinion.
I get that Griffin was the #1 pick overall. But really, what did he accomplish? National Player Of The Year? Big Deal, so did Sean Elliott as a Wooden Player of the year, and Danny Ferry, so did David Robinson and Tim Duncan, so does that mean that that instantly translates into greatness?
The 4-letter might want you to believe that, in fact...it used to be a decent rule, however...times change. Observe:
1983 Ralph Sampson Virginia Played with Houston but leg issues were too much.
1984 Michael Jordan North Carolina GOAT Nuff said.
1985 Patrick Ewing Georgetown A HOF Center for sure
1986 Johnny Dawkins Duke So what did he do in the NBA exactly? NOT MUCH.
1987 David Robinson Navy Best player to ever retire for the Spurs
1988 Danny Manning Kansas Did his best work as a Clipper until the curse got him.
1989 Danny Ferry Duke So, what did he do in the NBA other than become a role player?
1990 Lionel Simmons La Salle His best years were in Sacto but no All-Star or ALL-NBA Injuries did him in too.
1991 Larry Johnson UNLV There was a time when Grandmama was a force. But back issues did him in. He was fairly solid but again, not what one would build a team around.
1992 Christian Laettner Duke What did he accomplish again?
1993 Calbert Cheaney Indiana Same question
1994 Glenn Robinson Purdue Scorer who couldn't play a lick of D. Won a ring as a Spur in a low bench role.
1995 Joe Smith Maryland Greatest Claim To Fame? Responsible for Minnesota losing 3 straight #1 draft picks for collusion and tampering of Salary Cap
1996 Marcus Camby Massachusetts Good Post Player, All-NBA D Team, Solid Defensively, limited offensively.
1997 Tim Duncan Wake Forest Greatest PF To ever play the game
1998 Antawn Jamison North Carolina A scoring big too small play big 4's, too slow to cover fast 4's Has good range out to 3 but nothing more than a 3rd Team Star
1999 Elton Brand Duke Has had some shining moments in the NBA, probably best Duke player ever but is currently fighting to get back to All-Star level due to injury
2000 Kenyon Martin Cincinnati Good Defender, Okay range...Bad Attitude
2001 Shane Battier Duke Good Defender, okay 3 point shooter but nothing more than that
2002 Jason Williams Duke Blame The Motorcycle
2003 T. J. Ford Texas Blame the small frame and reckless style for Neck Issues
2004 Jameer Nelson Saint Joseph's Good shooter, strong defender for his size. SOLID.
2005 Andrew Bogut Utah Finally showing potential. Will Challenge for ball on both sides. Turning into a solid Center.
2006 J. J. Redick Duke Nothing more than a bonafide stretch shooter. Hasn't shown much else.
2007 Kevin Durant Texas Currently, he's the Thunder in Oklahoma City. George Gervin re-booted in a 6'10" frame.
2008 Tyler Hansbrough North Carolina Meet Eric Montross....yet again. No, Tyler's better, I think.
2009 Blake Griffin Oklahoma REMAINS TO BE SEEN
2010 Evan Turner Ohio State Same thing

So out of 27 Players of the Year, only 4 are truly HOF level players. Add 3 to 5 more players who are at least critical to their team's success and then the rest? Great College players no doubt, but have been treated like flotsam and jetsam in the NBA. Many of these college greats have bounced like NBA Journeymen. So again....study the tapes, look at the stats, don't just go by what 4-letter says or by what the Big 12 Media book tells you. I once talked to Bill Self here in LA, He was out to watch one of his guys, and he told me, this guy is going to be a very solid NBA player. He said,"When you have enough skill to be called the Big 10 player of the year, you can make waves in the NBA."
The player he came to watch? He played for the Lakers his rookie year...I give you, BRIAN COOK. Yeah, that Brian Cook. Or as I like to remember. 1 of 3 guys that Manu dunked on during a National TNT game. Yeah, I was there live. That was a fun win.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Ian Mahnimi has more potential than either of these guys.

potential busts?

[Chieflion]

Actually, this seems like a thread that needs to go at least to the end of Reg Season. I'm surprised at the variances in responses.
In a world of instant gratification and Slam Online, it would appear that a great many of posters here are easily swayed by the media outlets who inundate your mind with what they perceive you should think and do. DON'T BE A ROBOT!
Do your own research and format your own opinion.
I get that Griffin was the #1 pick overall. But really, what did he accomplish? National Player Of The Year? Big Deal, so did Sean Elliott as a Wooden Player of the year, and Danny Ferry, so did David Robinson and Tim Duncan, so does that mean that that instantly translates into greatness?
The 4-letter might want you to believe that, in fact...it used to be a decent rule, however...times change. Observe:
1983 Ralph Sampson Virginia Played with Houston but leg issues were too much.
1984 Michael Jordan North Carolina GOAT Nuff said.
1985 Patrick Ewing Georgetown A HOF Center for sure
1986 Johnny Dawkins Duke So what did he do in the NBA exactly? NOT MUCH.
1987 David Robinson Navy Best player to ever retire for the Spurs
1988 Danny Manning Kansas Did his best work as a Clipper until the curse got him.
1989 Danny Ferry Duke So, what did he do in the NBA other than become a role player?
1990 Lionel Simmons La Salle His best years were in Sacto but no All-Star or ALL-NBA Injuries did him in too.
1991 Larry Johnson UNLV There was a time when Grandmama was a force. But back issues did him in. He was fairly solid but again, not what one would build a team around.
1992 Christian Laettner Duke What did he accomplish again?
1993 Calbert Cheaney Indiana Same question
1994 Glenn Robinson Purdue Scorer who couldn't play a lick of D. Won a ring as a Spur in a low bench role.
1995 Joe Smith Maryland Greatest Claim To Fame? Responsible for Minnesota losing 3 straight #1 draft picks for collusion and tampering of Salary Cap
1996 Marcus Camby Massachusetts Good Post Player, All-NBA D Team, Solid Defensively, limited offensively.
1997 Tim Duncan Wake Forest Greatest PF To ever play the game
1998 Antawn Jamison North Carolina A scoring big too small play big 4's, too slow to cover fast 4's Has good range out to 3 but nothing more than a 3rd Team Star
1999 Elton Brand Duke Has had some shining moments in the NBA, probably best Duke player ever but is currently fighting to get back to All-Star level due to injury
2000 Kenyon Martin Cincinnati Good Defender, Okay range...Bad Attitude
2001 Shane Battier Duke Good Defender, okay 3 point shooter but nothing more than that
2002 Jason Williams Duke Blame The Motorcycle
2003 T. J. Ford Texas Blame the small frame and reckless style for Neck Issues
2004 Jameer Nelson Saint Joseph's Good shooter, strong defender for his size. SOLID.
2005 Andrew Bogut Utah Finally showing potential. Will Challenge for ball on both sides. Turning into a solid Center.
2006 J. J. Redick Duke Nothing more than a bonafide stretch shooter. Hasn't shown much else.
2007 Kevin Durant Texas Currently, he's the Thunder in Oklahoma City. George Gervin re-booted in a 6'10" frame.
2008 Tyler Hansbrough North Carolina Meet Eric Montross....yet again. No, Tyler's better, I think.
2009 Blake Griffin Oklahoma REMAINS TO BE SEEN
2010 Evan Turner Ohio State Same thing

So out of 27 Players of the Year, only 4 are truly HOF level players. Add 3 to 5 more players who are at least critical to their team's success and then the rest? Great College players no doubt, but have been treated like flotsam and jetsam in the NBA. Many of these college greats have bounced like NBA Journeymen. So again....study the tapes, look at the stats, don't just go by what 4-letter says or by what the Big 12 Media book tells you. I once talked to Bill Self here in LA, He was out to watch one of his guys, and he told me, this guy is going to be a very solid NBA player. He said,"When you have enough skill to be called the Big 10 player of the year, you can make waves in the NBA."
The player he came to watch? He played for the Lakers his rookie year...I give you, BRIAN COOK. Yeah, that Brian Cook. Or as I like to remember. 1 of 3 guys that Manu dunked on during a National TNT game. Yeah, I was there live. That was a fun win.
Good shit. But I also want to mention something. Just scanning through the list, I see that more than half are all-stars. So the percentage of all-stars is quite high. And since this thread is about Splitter against Griffin, which is stupid since none of these people have stepped onto the NBA court for a regular season game, just looking at these players, I am thinking Blake Griffin can be someone special, someone who can leave an impact on the league somewhat. I am not thinking top 5 NBA player in his prime but he is going to be in the discussion for top 15 in the league in my opinion. And I voted for Griffin, because he has more potential and has the ability to prove himself as a Clipper. Looking forward to him trying to turn that cursed franchise into something. One last thing, looking at all of these players, with an exception of a few, it seems that these players find a way to stay in the league for a long time, so they are not bad by any means.

[ffadicted]

I honestly can't believe that there's 40%+ votes for Splitter.
I'm hoping that all of those votes are from people who havn't seen blake and/or splitter play and are going off solely on shit they read or homerism...

Or else I've lost complete faith on this board, jesus

[Obstructed_View]

Didn't everyone think that Oden is gonna be the next D-Rob:lmao:lmao

The fact that he's injured doesn't mean he doesn't have talent, so what's your point?

[ezau]

The fact that he's injured doesn't mean he doesn't have talent, so what's your point?

Point is, talent is useless if that player can't stay healthy. Do you really think that Oden's knee problems will suddenly go away? The dude has a pair of glass knees that he has to rely on to earn a living. IMHO, that's not very good.

[Obstructed_View]

Point is, talent is useless if that player can't stay healthy. Do you really think that Oden's knee problems will suddenly go away? The dude has a pair of glass knees that he has to rely on to earn a living. IMHO, that's not very good.

But you're laughing at people that projected how good he would be before he ever got injured as though they're idiots for predicting it, so are you must be laughing at the fact that they can't see the future because the predictions are sound based on his talent.

And yes, Oden can still be a good player in the league. Didn't a guy who had microfracture knee surgery a few years ago just sign a 100 million dollar contract with the Knicks? Oden's left knee injury last year was caused by a collision. Anyone's patella would have broken in that situation.

By the way, if you'd predicted four years ago that he was going to have a knee injury, would it make you smart or just lucky?

[ezau]

But you're laughing at people that projected how good he would be before he ever got injured as though they're idiots for predicting it, so are you must be laughing at the fact that they can't see the future. Oden can still be a good player in the league. Didn't a guy who had microfracture knee surgery a few years ago just sign a 100 million dollar contract with the Knicks?

By the way, if you'd predicted four years ago that he was going to have a knee injury, would it make you smart or just lucky?

Are these the same people who predicted that Olowakandi is the second coming of Shaq? Do you think that the Blazers aren't kicking themselves now that they drafted Oden instead of Durant?

[Obstructed_View]

Are these the same people who predicted that Olowakandi is the second coming of Shaq? Do you think that the Blazers aren't kicking themselves now that they drafted Oden instead of Durant?

Don't change the subject. Are you saying that people are stupid for not predicting that Oden was going to run into someone and break his kneecap? Why would you laugh at the predictions as though they're inaccurate when we still don't know how good Oden can be?

Do you understand the way time works, and that people can't see things before they happen like you can looking back afterward? Look up "hindsight" before you continue shitting on people who have bad luck as though they should have known what was going to happen.

If he doesn't get injured again, he could be an all-star. If he gets hit by a bus before next season, does that make my prediction bad?

[ezau]

Don't change the subject. Are you saying that people are stupid for not predicting that Oden was going to run into someone and break his kneecap? Why would you laugh at the predictions as though they're inaccurate when we still don't know how good Oden can be?

Do you understand the way time works, and that people can't see things before they happen like you can looking back afterward? Look up "hindsight" before you continue shitting on people who have bad luck as though they should have known what was going to happen.

If he doesn't get injured again, he could be an all-star. If he gets hit by a bus before next season, does that make my prediction bad?

Why don't you tell that to Pritchard? Maybe he can get his job back. Just saying

[Obstructed_View]

Why don't you tell that to Pritchard? Maybe he can get his job back. Just saying

You're a moron. Just saying.

[Chieflion]

Why don't you tell that to Pritchard? Maybe he can get his job back. Just saying

All 30 GMs in 2007 would have taken Oden with the 1st pick, maybe they should all be fired. Just saying.

[ezau]

You're a moron. Just saying.

No, seriously. If the Blazers think the way you do, maybe they won't fire Pritchard because the dude "can't possibly predict that our boy Oden is going to get injured sometime in the future".

Don't get me wrong, I think Oden is a very good guy and I still think that he'll have a decent career in this league if he can find a way to be healthy. My point is, I will still pick an above-average player who is proven to be durable, than a guy who is clearly very talented, but whose durability is questionable.

[will_spurs]

No, seriously. If the Blazers think the way you do, maybe they won't fire Pritchard because the dude "can't possibly predict that our boy Oden is going to get injured sometime in the future".

Pritchard's being fired by Portland has nothing to do with Oden. Nothing.


Don't get me wrong, I think Oden is a very good guy and I still think that he'll have a decent career in this league if he can find a way to be healthy. My point is, I will still pick an above-average player who is proven to be durable, than a guy who is clearly very talented, but whose durability is questionable.

If the Thunders had had the #1 pick they would have picked Oden. The Thunders got lucky they drafted 2nd, that's all there is to it.

[ezau]

Pritchard's being fired by Portland has nothing to do with Oden. Nothing.

If it has nothing to do with Oden, then what?




If the Thunders had had the #1 pick they would have picked Oden. The Thunders got lucky they drafted 2nd, that's all there is to it.

Because the rule is draft the best big man over the best small man

[rascal]

Well,I saw them a lot in the spanish league and I can say Splitter is at least as good as Marc Gasol.Easily He could average 14-10 55% FG if he plays 32-34 min.
But San Antonio have too many weapons so Splitter isn't going to score more than 7-8 ppg

Of course Griffin must be better but Splitter could be the best big man who plays with TD since D-Rob.

Does Splitter have any outside perimeter shot and scoring game? All the highlights I see of him have him dunking on shorter players.

If not he will struggle to get points in the nba.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Does Splitter have any outside perimeter shot and scoring game? All the highlights I see of him have him dunking on shorter players.

If not he will struggle to get points in the nba.

His midrange J isn't that good, so I wouldn't expect him to rely on it too much in his rookie season. Maybe he'd concentrate on improving it in the future, but I wouldn't expect much this season.

On the other hand he's a really crafty and smart player, he has a few nice post moves and is good at finding the right positions under the basket in a Fabricio Oberto kind of way. I would expect him to get most of his points off put backs and receiving good passes from Manu/Tony/Tim under the basket and off PnR. He's also good at setting picks offensively, though, as mentioned before he might have problems with foul calls on some of them, he'd have to adjust a bit.

All in all, offensively, don't expect him to be great, just a better, longer version of Oberto, but it's his defense that could really help the Spurs right away if he's able to translate his game well enough.

[Obstructed_View]

No, seriously. If the Blazers think the way you do, maybe they won't fire Pritchard because the dude "can't possibly predict that our boy Oden is going to get injured sometime in the future".

Firing Pritchard was the most stunningly stupid move in the NBA this year, and it's not even close. There's pretty much universal agreement on that point. In fact, the only thing that would be stupider would be if Allen fired him because Greg Oden broke his knee in a collision.

[Obstructed_View]

If it has nothing to do with Oden, then what?

Might ask TLong for some additional input, but my take is that they didn't win a title, and someone had to be the scapegoat. Tom Penn and Kevin Pritchard were there. If pressed, Allen would probably mention the contracts of Darius Miles and Raef Lafrentz or the trade of Steve Blake.

They fired Pritchard before the draft and told him the firing would become effective after the draft. I suppose it's possible they are actually that stupid to blame the front office for Oden's bad luck.

[yavozerb]

His midrange J isn't that good, so I wouldn't expect him to rely on it too much in his rookie season. Maybe he'd concentrate on improving it in the future, but I wouldn't expect much this season.

On the other hand he's a really crafty and smart player, he has a few nice post moves and is good at finding the right positions under the basket in a Fabricio Oberto kind of way. I would expect him to get most of his points off put backs and receiving good passes from Manu/Tony/Tim under the basket and off PnR. He's also good at setting picks offensively, though, as mentioned before he might have problems with foul calls on some of them, he'd have to adjust a bit.

All in all, offensively, don't expect him to be great, just a better, longer version of Oberto, but it's his defense that could really help the Spurs right away if he's able to translate his game well enough.

I think thats a great assesment of tiago..I would like to add after seeing tiago playing against some good defensive players (esp. in the spanish playoffs) that his footwork and quickness in the post is above average.

[ezau]

Firing Pritchard was the most stunningly stupid move in the NBA this year, and it's not even close. There's pretty much universal agreement on that point. In fact, the only thing that would be stupider would be if Allen fired him because Greg Oden broke his knee in a collision.

I know it's stupid, but it's also widely acknowledged that Oden's drafting was largely blamed on Pritchard.

[ezau]

Might ask TLong for some additional input, but my take is that they didn't win a title, and someone had to be the scapegoat. Tom Penn and Kevin Pritchard were there. If pressed, Allen would probably mention the contracts of Darius Miles and Raef Lafrentz or the trade of Steve Blake.

They fired Pritchard before the draft and told him the firing would become effective after the draft. I suppose it's possible they are actually that stupid to blame the front office for Oden's bad luck.

Agree on you with this. The rational thing is not blame Oden for getting injured. No player wants that to get injured at all.

Then again, the Blazers, seeing how well Durant had panned out, blamed Pritchard for drafting him. I think it's just one of the reasons, but I read somewhere that he fell out of Allen's favor after a string of failures.

[Obstructed_View]

I know it's stupid, but it's also widely acknowledged that Oden's drafting was largely blamed on Pritchard.

Pritchard had the misfortune of having the first pick. I think it's also widely acknowledged that every team would have picked Oden first.

If Oden comes back from his knee injury as completely as Amare did there's every possilbility that he could have a career comparable with Durant.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Pritchard had the misfortune of having the first pick. I think it's also widely acknowledged that every team would have picked Oden first.

If Oden comes back from his knee injury as completely as Amare did there's every possilbility that he could have a career comparable with Durant.

You act like that was Oden's first injury. He has three major knee injuries in three years. Sure three years ago you may have been lucky to predict that he would get injured but now? Not so much.

Griffin not only had a knee injury but it was setback several times during the recovery process.

While these guys have major talent, its production that is important. If you cannot get on the court then you produce nada.

[Obstructed_View]

You act like that was Oden's first injury. He has three major knee injuries in three years. Sure three years ago you may have been lucky to predict that he would get injured but now? Not so much.

Griffin not only had a knee injury but it was setback several times during the recovery process.

While these guys have major talent, its production that is important. If you cannot get on the court then you produce nada.

I'm sorry, what does any of that have to do with predictions people made before any of Oden's injuries?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I'm sorry, what does any of that have to do with predictions people made before any of Oden's injuries?

And what bearing does that have any anything within the realm of reality? What people predicted would have happened three years ago is immaterial to anything other than patting yourself on the back. The entire reason why Oden's injuries were even brought up were because of what will happen now in predicting the future from now. If you want to talk about meaningless drivel then go right ahead.

A 250+ lbs with knee problems is always a bad thing. There is also a train of thought that guys that grow that tall and play high impact athletics during that time period are prone to degenerative knee conditions.

From a purely logical standpoint it makes a ton of sense. Its akin to kids that suck their thumbs being more prone to over/underbites.

Seeing that both payers have had knee injuries from the get go raises that concern and Griffin's issues lingered. I do not expect Bynum to have a long career for the same reasons.

[PublicOption]

wtf, Blake Griffin knee is shot. he has 0 post up game....this guy shot his wad last year in pre-season HE IS DONE.

[Obstructed_View]

And what bearing does that have any anything within the realm of reality?

And what what pertaining do have there to do to do with that which we were talking about?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

And what what pertaining do have there to do to do with that which we were talking about?

any = on

Sorry I do not always proofread my posts. Was it too difficult for you to understand?

Point is there is a long and storied of history big men's careers being scuttled early because of knee problems. Griffin is not off to a very good start in regards to that.

[Obstructed_View]

any = on

Sorry I do not always proofread my posts. Was it too difficult for you to understand?

Point is there is a long and storied of history big men's careers being scuttled early because of knee problems. Griffin is not off to a very good start in regards to that.

Greg Oden didn't have knee problems in college.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Greg Oden didn't have knee problems in college.

He was also 19 when he was drafted near the end of his growth cycle. You see the same issues begin to arise when Bynum was 19. Griffin was 20.

Are you really going to argue that reoccurring knee issues in young players is not a major concern?

[TheKingOfMIA6]

Blake Griffin

btw what position does Tiago play

[Obstructed_View]

He was also 19 when he was drafted near the end of his growth cycle. You see the same issues begin to arise when Bynum was 19. Griffin was 20.

Are you really going to argue that reoccurring knee issues in young players is not a major concern?

Wow, you must know something that NBA teams don't. You should apply for a job telling them how stupid their past draft picks were.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Wow, you must know something that NBA teams don't. You should apply for a job telling them how stupid their past draft picks were.

Ummm, okay......

How much you want to bet that Griffin does not play 70 games next year?

[Obstructed_View]

Ummm, okay......

How much you want to bet that Griffin does not play 70 games next year?
Do you even have a point or are you just padding your postcount?

[rascal]

Ummm, okay......

How much you want to bet that Griffin does not play 70 games next year?

You would not trade Splitter straight up for Griffin if it were possible?

[BadMotorscooter]

Griffin. If he is healthy and plays like he is capable, it wont even be close. A better comparision poll would have been Splitter or Cousins.

[Galileo]

Good shit. But I also want to mention something. Just scanning through the list, I see that more than half are all-stars. So the percentage of all-stars is quite high. And since this thread is about Splitter against Griffin, which is stupid since none of these people have stepped onto the NBA court for a regular season game, just looking at these players, I am thinking Blake Griffin can be someone special, someone who can leave an impact on the league somewhat. I am not thinking top 5 NBA player in his prime but he is going to be in the discussion for top 15 in the league in my opinion. And I voted for Griffin, because he has more potential and has the ability to prove himself as a Clipper. Looking forward to him trying to turn that cursed franchise into something. One last thing, looking at all of these players, with an exception of a few, it seems that these players find a way to stay in the league for a long time, so they are not bad by any means.

How many of these 27 players made at least one allstar team?

Laettner made one.

next.

[Chieflion]

How many of these 27 players made at least one allstar team?

Laettner made one.

next.

Jamison, Brand, Ewing, Jordan, Sampson, Duncan, Robinson, Durant, Johnson, Manning.

[Galileo]

Galileo's all-star take:

* DuJaun Blair has a standing reach 1 1/2 inches higher than Griffin

* Griffin is undersized and looks like the next van Horn

* Griffin missed his entire rookie season. Show me another all-star who ever did that?

* If they re-did the 2007 draft, http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2007.html , who would go ahead of Splitter now?

Durant
maybe Oden
Horford
maybe Green
Noah probably not

* if Splitter were in the 2009 draft, http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2009.html , who would go ahead of him?

Griffin possibly
Jennings possibly
Evans maybe

If Splitter was in then 2010 draft, http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2010.html , he would be the third pick.\

That's Galileo's AS take, like it or lump it.

[Galileo]

Jamison, Brand, Ewing, Jordan, Sampson, Duncan, Robinson, Durant, Johnson, Manning.

11 of 27?

[Chieflion]

Add Kenyon Martin. And I didn't count Jayson Williams, Blake Griffin, Evan Turner and Tyler Hansbrough.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

You would not trade Splitter straight up for Griffin if it were possible?

I doubt Griffin could even pass a physical right now.

[Galileo]

Add Kenyon Martin. And I didn't count Jayson Williams, Blake Griffin, Evan Turner and Tyler Hansbrough.

12 of 27.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Do you even have a point or are you just padding your postcount?

Give me a break. You were going off on a stupid tangent about the Blazer's thought process three years ago. I brought how knee injuries and Oden really relate to the question here, Griffin or Splitter.

Griffin has had the same knee injury for a year now. I would not touch Griffin with a 10 foot pole until he can show he can get healthy.

I would not trade Splitter for Bynum for the same reason. The over/under on how many games Bynum would play a year is like 50 and I will be shocked if he is still playing in 3 years.

[Obstructed_View]

Give me a break. You were going off on a stupid tangent about the Blazer's thought process three years ago. I brought how knee injuries and Oden really relate to the question here, Griffin or Splitter.
Translation: I was having a conversation with someone else about something they posted, and you suddenly interjected something that had nothing to do with anything I'd said and started attacking my positions with irrelevant information. Gotcha. Moving on...


Griffin has had the same knee injury for a year now. I would not touch Griffin with a 10 foot pole until he can show he can get healthy.

I would not trade Splitter for Bynum for the same reason. The over/under on how many games Bynum would play a year is like 50 and I will be shocked if he is still playing in 3 years.

Just as well, because both teams would laugh you off the phone if you called and offered Splitter for either Griffin or Bynum.

[Chieflion]

12 of 27.

Take out those four. It is unfair because they never got a chance to prove their talent yet. You have 12 of 23. That is more than half.

[BadMotorscooter]

Is someone really arguing about the percentages of 1st round picks and their success or whatever he's talking about? How about this Galileo guy tell me how many non US power forward/centers have been all stars and successful out of the ones who havent. Whats the percentage there?

Darko Milicic anyone? He worked out great as a #2 pick.

[Galileo]

Is someone really arguing about the percentages of 1st round picks and their success or whatever he's talking about? How about this Galileo guy tell me how many non US power forward/centers have been all stars and successful out of the ones who havent. Whats the percentage there?

Darko Milicic anyone? He worked out great as a #2 pick.

3/5ths

:downspin:

[Galileo]

Take out those four. It is unfair because they never got a chance to prove their talent yet. You have 12 of 23. That is more than half.

sometimes life isn't fair.

:p:

[MaNu4Tres]

:lol


Anyone want to re-vote?

[jgome21]

Is this a joke? I think we all know who's better......

[Blackjack]

Insufficient data.

Tiago is like a Chia Pet without water, even if Griffin's sporting the Chia 'do.

Just add playing time.


























And Hall-of-Fame talent.

[ynh]

Funny thread.. reminds me back in 93 when piston fans thought Lindsey Hunter was going to be the next Isaiah Thomas.

[jaffies]

I voted Splitter because if he wins it will make this thread hilarious three months from now.

[ynh]

lol yeah I got a chuckle there. To be honest most people that had post thought the question was outlandish. Not sure what happened with the voting though.

[Hoops Czar]

Splitter ecstasy hit this forum hard. Talk about overshooting expectations by a mile and a half. This thread deserves to be in the spurstalk hall of shame.

[TDMVPDPOY]

one is gettin minutes on a scrub team

the other could barely sniff the floor

[Hoops Czar]

Insufficient data.

Tiago is like a Chia Pet without water, even if Griffin's sporting the Chia 'do.

Just add playing time.


And Hall-of-Fame talent.


Just add playing time? Griffin could say the same thing. They were even at the start of the season. Lets not forget the age difference. One is entering his prime while the other is raw. Splitter can't hold a candlestick to Griffin.

[Hoops Czar]

one is gettin minutes on a scrub team

the other could barely sniff the floor

Your not seriously telling me Griffin wouldn't sniff the floor if he was playing for the Spurs are you?

Your either blind or not a very good judge of talent.

[Blackjack]

Just add playing time? Griffin could say the same thing. They were even at the start of the season. Lets not forget the age difference. One is entering his prime while the other is raw. Splitter can't hold a candlestick to Griffin.

You're a funny dude. Illiterate and/or a terrible judge of humor, but funny. :tu

[JustinJDW]

Oh come on people. I'm as big a Spurs fan as they come and I'm a big supporter of the advancment and progression of Tiago, but even I know Griffin is the better bigman as of right now. By the end of the Season, who knows, but right now? Obviously Griffin.

[Blackjack]

Oh, and Chu-Chu-Chu ...

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=328818822785&id=886ee660eceffb5892da8b50ed0c4b2b

[TDMVPDPOY]

Your not seriously telling me Griffin wouldn't sniff the floor if he was playing for the Spurs are you?

Your either blind or not a very good judge of talent.

im just sayin what team they got drafted onto

if splitter was drafted on a shit team he be playin heavy minutes also

[Hoops Czar]

You're a funny dude. Illiterate and/or a terrible judge of humor, but funny. :tu

My apologies. Very, VERY funny indeed. I guess your Spurstalk's version of the forum clown. Every forum has one so there's no shame in that. Carry on sir. :whine

[Hoops Czar]

im just sayin what team they got drafted onto

if splitter was drafted on a shit team he be playin heavy minutes also

There is no doubt he'd be getting more minutes, but he wouldn't be putting up Griffin's numbers.

[anonoftheinternets]

There is no doubt he'd be getting more minutes, but he would be putting up Griffin's numbers.

what re u talking about .... ur a dumbass ... griffin is the better player .. goddamn this guy has his head in the air ....

see i can do it too :lol ... @blackjack ...

[Hoops Czar]

what re u talking about .... ur a dumbass ... griffin is the better player .. goddamn this guy has his head in the air ....

see i can do it too :lol ... @blackjack ...

Your one dumb illiterate Homer Simpson. Your in a class all by yourself. My apologies if english is your second language. May I suggest freetranslation.com.

[Blackjack]

My apologies. Very, VERY funny indeed. I guess your Spurstalk's version of the forum clown. Every forum has one so there's no shame in that. Carry on sir. :whine

I'd accept that as a compliment and a go-ahead if you weren't displaying illiteracy, ignorance and a lack of humor.

I mean, how am I supposed to know if your compliments are compliments or your jabs are jabs? It's quite unfortunate, I must say.

But carry on, sir. Feel the need to speak to the merit of a Griffin v. Splitter comparison. :lol


what re u talking about .... ur a dumbass ... griffin is the better player .. goddamn this guy has his head in the air ....

see i can do it too :lol ... @blackjack ...

See, it's easy. Just like a Chu-Chu-Chu Chia!

[Hoops Czar]

I'd accept that as a compliment and a go-ahead if you weren't displaying illiteracy, ignorance and a lack of humor.

I mean, how am I supposed to know if your compliments are compliments or your jabs are jabs? It's quite unfortunate, I must say.

But carry on, sir. Feel the need to speak to the merit of a Griffin v. Splitter comparison. :lol



See, it's easy. Just like a Chu-Chu-Chu Chia!


Ladies and gentlemen, its Blackjack "the entertainer". :elephant
http://www.gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=1089922 (http://www.gifsoup.com/view/1089922/homie-the-clown.html) GIFSoup (http://www.gifsoup.com/)

[Blackjack]

Ladies and gentlemen, its Blackjack "the entertainer". :elephant
http://www.gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=1089922 (http://www.gifsoup.com/view/1089922/homie-the-clown.html) GIFSoup (http://www.gifsoup.com/)

I'm Omnipotent, tbh.

And "The Entertainer" is a taken name.

But I appreciate you submitting your job application. I'll let you know if you get the presenter job. :tu

[concken]

Oh come on people. I'm as big a Spurs fan as they come and I'm a big supporter of the advancment and progression of Tiago, but even I know Griffin is the better bigman as of right now. By the end of the Season, who knows, but right now? Obviously Griffin.

and then we have this guy...

[anonoftheinternets]

Your one dumb illiterate Homer Simpson. Your in a class all by yourself. My apologies if english is your second language. May I suggest freetranslation.com.

u mite want to check out the site urself ... :lol too much stuff going over ur head tbh ..

[Em-City]

Darko Milicic anyone? He worked out great as a #2 pick.


i'd trade splitter for milicic no probs

[NickiRasgo]

Griffin.

[biskvito]

Even if they play the same minutes I don't see the grounds for comparison. Griffin is a freak.
tOvLL4ghD44

[Greg Oden]

lol splitter with 71 votes

[DPG21920]

Holey Smokes.

- Shoog

[nkdlunch]

lol splitter with 71 votes

:lol good point

but you mavfans have your Roddy Beaubois = Jordan threads waiting to get bumped.

[senorglory]

At this point of the season? Splitter. Obviously.

[Dave Mustaine]

:lol good point

but you mavfans have your Roddy Beaubois = Jordan threads waiting to get bumped.

that's an abstract claim, unlike spurfans in this thread giving 71 votes to a scrub ass player over Blake Griffin.

[DesignatedT]

At this point of the season? Splitter. Obviously.

:lol

[DPG21920]

Spursfans on a Spurs site are expected to be homers, but this is shocking. Still, DB.COMERS don't even compare. They are way worse :lol so at least we have that.

l

[Cessation]

Obviously, Splitter.

[xmas1997]

that's an abstract claim, unlike spurfans in this thread giving 71 votes to a scrub ass player over Blake Griffin.

Your jealousy is showing.
We got Splitter. That's all that counts!

[Harry Callahan]

Spursfans on a Spurs site are expected to be homers, but this is shocking. Still, DB.COMERS don't even compare. They are way worse :lol so at least we have that.

l

I live in the Dallas area, and the Dallas Basketball.com site is atrocious. Mike Fisher is nothing but a shill for the Mavericks and has nothing but envy for anything Spurs related.

Sounds like DPG21920 has seen the "fine" work of DB.com as well.

[Dave Mustaine]

spurfan sarcasm after the fact is hilarious.

[Harry Callahan]

I refuse to vote, because there is not a comparison here. There was a reason BG was the first pick in the draft in 2010 and TS the 28th in 07 (even if he was a future at the time). If Tiago had Blake Griffin ability, he would have been a lottery pick in 2007.

BG is the Rookie of the year in a cakewalk this year. His weaknesses are a possible injury issue long term and alligator arms (they're kinda short). He has to have that explosive athletic ability to be effective. If he loses his hops, then he becomes a more ordinary player. He's great right now, though.

I think Tiago will be a good effective player in time. He's got some adjusting to do and he will not get the chance to play right away with the Spurs record. He'll get his chance eventually.

[hater]

wow what crack r u smoking???

Griffin is a #1 pick in any draft even this years

Splitter should be compared to Oden at most

goddam I'm good.

[it's me]

spurfan sarcasm after the fact is hilarious.

Lol Clip fans coming out of under the stones now that BG is being hyped…. No worries he’ll get out of that shitty club in no time…. chances are he’ll still play on the same floor though.

[Dave Mustaine]

Lol Clip fans coming out of under the stones now that BG is being hyped…. No worries he’ll get out of that shitty club in no time…. chances are he’ll still play on the same floor though.

nice throw away line.

[TDMVPDPOY]

splitter doesnt get enough minutes to settle into the game or heck u look at him play gets easy position in the block but barely anyone passes it to him unless its ginoboli....then u see him pull a duncan softass miss layup

[Cry Havoc]

I voted Splitter because if he wins it will make this thread hilarious three months from now.

:lol

[cornbread]

Can Blake Griffin do this? Didn't think so.
JFQsoUV8pd0

[cheguevara]

Can Blake Griffin do this? Didn't think so.
JFQsoUV8pd0

last time Griffin tried that, he was out for 1 year

[Phillip]

BG is the Rookie of the year in a cakewalk this year. His weaknesses are a possible injury issue long term and alligator arms (they're kinda short). He has to have that explosive athletic ability to be effective. If he loses his hops, then he becomes a more ordinary player. He's great right now, though.

Not neccesarily true. Dude has a very good post up game, with a number of different moves he can throw at opponents, not to mention a constantly developing jumper. I'm pretty confident that by his third year, the whole "he needs his athletic ability to be effective" will be completely gone. Dude clearly has skills that dont rely on athletic ability and he has grown exponentially through the season.

Of course his athletic ability is what puts him over the top, but then again, that is what puts all great players over the top. It's the reason why Kobe > Manu, for example. If Manu had Kobe's athletic ability, he would be every bit as good, if not a better basketball player. Another example is Dwight and Gasol. Dwight is the better center, but if Pau had Dwights natrual atheltic ability, he would be a much better player than Dwight. So even though players will lose their athletic ability over years, some are just natural athletes and even if they lose some, they will still be significantly better athletes than their counterparts and will always have that advantage. Athleticism is every bit as important as skills.

[Dave Mustaine]

Can Blake Griffin do this? Didn't think so.
JFQsoUV8pd0

Griffin was making a fool of himself on dunks long before the league.

5NMlt3uG3Fs

[Spursmania]

At this point of the season? Splitter. Obviously.

:lol

[Texas_Ranger]

roflmao

[Sportcamper]

Blake Griffin just got his 40th double-double of the season…Griffin makes the ESPN highlight reel every week…And Tiago has done what?:lmao

[ohmwrecker]

Have you guys seen Tiago's Per 36? Dude's a beast!

[it's me]

Blake Griffin just got his 40th double-double of the season…Griffin makes the ESPN highlight reel every week…And Tiago has done what?:lmao

lol you don't get it.

[DPG21920]

I live in the Dallas area, and the Dallas Basketball.com site is atrocious. Mike Fisher is nothing but a shill for the Mavericks and has nothing but envy for anything Spurs related.

Sounds like DPG21920 has seen the "fine" work of DB.com as well.

I have actually never been to the site, but I used this logic:

1) Many of the Mav fans who post here also go onto that site, but why would they spend the vast majority of their time here vs a site for their own team especially when they complain about GNSF? The obvious answer is that their own fan base is so terrible they can't even stand to be around people who root for the same team.

2) Mav fan was trying to desperately hide this above fact, but then some DB.COMERS came around here with some links and I blew the freaking roof off of that cover up. To the point where Mav fan even admitted that DB.COMERS are worse than GNSF as far as takes go.

So now they will never live it down.

[xmas1997]

They just can't see the forest for the trees.

[dbreiden83080]

What's Splitter supposed to prove when Pop never plays him?

[Dave Mustaine]

I have actually never been to the site, but I used this logic:

1) Many of the Mav fans who post here also go onto that site, but why would they spend the vast majority of their time here vs a site for their own team especially when they complain about GNSF? The obvious answer is that their own fan base is so terrible they can't even stand to be around people who root for the same team.



Name them.

[DPG21920]

Name them.

Who, the Mav fans on this site that also check out that joke of a fanbase (their own) site?

[Dave Mustaine]

the ones that you implied are regulars on both forums.

[DPG21920]

the ones that you implied are regulars on both forums.

I said they are regulars or that they are Mav fans that have seen that pile of crap of a fanbase and choose to spend the vast majority of their time here?

Like Badfish, stretch, mono...

[G-Dawgg]

How is this even a competition..? Griffin is a cornerstone and Splitter is a bust......

[xmas1997]

If Splitter were a bust then he wouldn't still be here. Do you think Pop and staff are total idiots?????????? Geez, arm chair shade tree coaches some fans are!
Get a life!

[Harry Callahan]

Not neccesarily true. Dude has a very good post up game, with a number of different moves he can throw at opponents, not to mention a constantly developing jumper. I'm pretty confident that by his third year, the whole "he needs his athletic ability to be effective" will be completely gone. Dude clearly has skills that dont rely on athletic ability and he has grown exponentially through the season.

Of course his athletic ability is what puts him over the top, but then again, that is what puts all great players over the top. It's the reason why Kobe > Manu, for example. If Manu had Kobe's athletic ability, he would be every bit as good, if not a better basketball player. Another example is Dwight and Gasol. Dwight is the better center, but if Pau had Dwights natrual atheltic ability, he would be a much better player than Dwight. So even though players will lose their athletic ability over years, some are just natural athletes and even if they lose some, they will still be significantly better athletes than their counterparts and will always have that advantage. Athleticism is every bit as important as skills.

Wow! A reasoned and thoughtful post phillip! Why don't you do that more often instead the usual "LOL Spurs" when they lose that one in four or five games?

[rascal]

What's Splitter supposed to prove when Pop never plays him?

He can first start by being worthy of getting some minutes.

[rascal]

If Splitter were a bust then he wouldn't still be here. Do you think Pop and staff are total idiots?????????? Geez, arm chair shade tree coaches some fans are!
Get a life!

Pop and staff don't always hit on every player. There is a long list of players they screwed up on over the years.

[Cessation]

lol noobs calling splinter a bust after 48 games

[Sofaking]

lol noobs calling splinter a bust after 48 games
Do you still believe Splitter>>>Blair?

[Cessation]

Are you still butthurt?

[Hoops Czar]

If Splitter were a bust then he wouldn't still be here. Do you think Pop and staff are total idiots?????????? Geez, arm chair shade tree coaches some fans are!
Get a life!

A bust doesn't happen in one year's time, but rest assured, he will never dominate the NBA landscape the way he did to some degree in Europe. Spurstalk homers proclaimed the "great white hope" to be TD's successor and that will never happen.

[HarlemHeat37]

:lol Why wasn't this a public poll?..shit..

[senorglory]

:lol Why wasn't this a public poll?..shit..

Why can't I vote for Splitter twice?...shit..

[TDMVPDPOY]

splitter will have his first championship ring b4 blake, book it

[Hoops Czar]

splitter will have his first championship ring b4 blake, book it

Sure is fun to ride the Spurs coattails to a ring.... easiest ring EVER!

[smrattler]

Griffin is just a better dunker and gets more minutes than Splitter.

Tiago is a better defender and has better offensive moves than Griff.

The world just doesn't see this because Pop hates Tiago and refuses to play him.

[rascal]

Bump

[Dex]

This needed to be a public poll....

[DesignatedT]

lol

[Ikstomi]

Splitter, ofcourse

[DMC]

This reminds me of looking at a CNN or ESPN poll where they show the USA map and how each state voted. The players from those states get heavy bias in those states, but the rest of the nation votes on the obvious. So I would guess a large portion of the "Splitter" votes are Spurs homers or Clippers haters.

[Obstructed_View]

...or people who knew Griffin was going to start and Splitter was likely to get thrown to the end of the bench.

[smrattler]

Tiago >>>>>>> Griff

[Mel_13]

Splitter +9

Griffin -37

http://www.nba.com/games/20111228/LACSAS/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore

[rascal]

Griffin>>>>Splitter

These two should not even be compared they are so far off.

[rascal]

Splitter +9

Griffin -37

http://www.nba.com/games/20111228/LACSAS/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore

:rollin

[Oh, Gee!!]

there are 87 very stupid basketball fans if they truly believe that tiago should be mentioned in the same category as griffin.

[Josepatches_]

Overall Griffin is clearly the best but Splitter is a better defensive player.

[Obstructed_View]

there are 87 very stupid basketball fans if they truly believe that tiago should be mentioned in the same category as griffin.

Check the date of the orignial post. Griffin hadn't come back from injury yet.

[rascal]

Even back when the original post was made it was nothing more than homerism to say Splitter was better than Griffin. Griffin was expected back that season when the post was made.