OKC Thunder: Pros and cons trading for hometown hero Blake Griffin
By Brandon Dale
“The bad news is nothing lasts forever. The good news is nothing lasts forever.” These lyrics are from a J. Cole song titled “Nothing lasts forever,” which is precisely how I, as an OKC Thunder fan, would describe Blake Griffin’s turbulent journey in the NBA.
The former University of Oklahoma standout was a household name around the OKC area between 2003-2009. I can personally attest to this because Blake Griffin grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma. This small town is the same place where I came up, only 15 miles north of OKC. Griffin was an exceptional athlete from a very young age.
A graduate of OCS, Griffin won four state titles with his father, Tommy Griffin, who coached Blake and his brother Taylor throughout their High School career. Blake rose to stardom as he became a national name at the University of Oklahoma.
His career propelled more so as he entered the NBA. A former number one overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers, Griffin became known for his flashy dunks and his awe-inspiring Slam-Dunk Contest appearances. It is impossible not to recall Griffin hopping over a Kia in 2011 like it was something mere mortals could do if they expended the energy, which is the point. Griffin defied gravity and seemed inhuman with the way he played the game.
Fast forward to today, and Griffin’s career is falling by the wayside with each passing day. The former All-Star played just 18 games last year and has not dunked in a game since 2019. It is tough to believe that a former Slam-Dunk Champion has not dunked in a game in more than 365 days, but this is the sad reality of professional sports injuries.
Could Blake Griffin be a quality trade target for the OKC Thunder?
As stated above, Blake is from the OKC area. His family still resides in Oklahoma, and Griffin could use some stability in his career. He no longer seems to have that “child-like” love for the game seen in previous years when he was teammates with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan when he was a member of ‘Lob City.’
It could undoubtedly be revitalizing for Blake to have some familiar surroundings.
I believe the union between Griffin and the OKC Thunder could be a special homecoming. Not only would he be at home, but he could feel more of a reason to want to continue to play the game he grew up loving.
Griffin may still be looking for that elusive championship ring at this point in his career, but moreover, conventional wisdom says he would want to be in a place that will value him as a person and an athlete.
What better place than Oklahoma City?
Thunderous Intentions looks at the pros and cons of a Blake Griffin family reunion: