Chris Paul recently took a backseat with the Los Angeles Clippers. After signing a nice contract extension to be the face of the franchise, the point guard said it was someone else that would be responsible for getting the team to the NBA Finals. Paul noted that the real success of the Clippers rested on the shoulders of Blake Griffin, stating the team will "definitely go as Blake goes." The young forward agreed.
Griffin sat down with ESPNLosAngeles.com to discuss the recent offseason signings of the Clippers and agreed that his role with the team must increase.
"[Paul] has a huge role on this team," Griffin said. "He's been the guy who has closed out a lot of games late for us. But in my mind, this is the year I need to step into that role and really help him shoulder that load. I'll be right there with him at the end of games, being the guy that he can always count on."
Griffin made his third-straight All-Star appearance last season, quickly developing into one of the best young forwards in the league. Not to mention his ability to put up an impressive dunk. While Griffin's numbers have always been impressive, in his first three season the Clippers have yet to advance past the second round of the playoffs.
Griffin admits that his excitement level for the upcoming season is through the roof. The forward could not be happier with additions the Clippers made in the offseason, the biggest being bringing in big-time coach Doc Rivers to take over. Rivers told Griffin that he wants him to focus on being more of a shooter on the court, something the forward worked on during the offseason.
"One of the things [new coach Doc Rivers] said to me was, 'I don't want you to be afraid to go 0-for-15.' In other words, just have the mindset of a shooter. And with the work I've done this summer, I'm starting to get that confidence, and think like a shooter," Griffin said.
Griffin has never been a true shooter. He shot 53.8 percent from the field last year, but he struggled with length shots, shooting 34 percent from distance. The forward has been working a shooting coach to improve his work in the post and getting his elbow technique down for better range.
Griffin and Paul's relationship has been tense at times. The two have not always seen eye-to-eye on the court, but it appears Griffin took his words to heart. The Clippers look to be set for success.
