Image via Complex Original
Blake Griffin has been one of the ultimate draws of the in the league since he set foot on an NBA court. His high-flying acrobatics and ridiculous facials have become a very common part of his game. He's dunked on virtually everyone who has even thought about trying to contest his forays at the rim. It's the part of Blake that we love to watch, and the NBA must be happy with Blake's ability to be a big draw in arenas across the continent.
On the flipside, Blake has gained a notorious reputation as a flopper. Any little bit of contact will force him to overreact. He's drawn ire from many of his peers and even his current teammate Matt Barnes called him a flopper while with the Lakers. However, Griffin has yet to draw a warning or a fine since the league added their new anti-flopping deterrent. So, is Blake Griffin a badass or a jackass?
Badass: The Mozgov
Date: 11/20/2010
This started the Blake Show. Early in his rookie season, Griffin was impressive, but dunks like this one against Mozgov, and a dunk in the same game captivated crowds making Blake a household name in very short time despite playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Has Mozgov even recovered?
Jackass: The Swipe
Date: 4/5/2012
DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins has gained a rep as a dirty and emotional player, but we feel bad for him on this simple play. He reaches in for the ball and Blake reacts about a split-second late and complains to the ref. That's just bad Blake.
Badass: NBA Slam Dunk Champion
Date: 2/19/2011
In what was one of the most anticipated dunk contest performances, Blake Griiffin lived up to the hype with his aerial assault in the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His dunk at the end was more of a show rather than an awesome dunk, but his entire performance will go down in the record books. We wish Griffin would defend his crown.
Jackass: Flopping To The Max
Date: 3/18/2012
We understand trying to express that there was a foul, but falling into the first row? That's just over the top and not helpful to your reputation. The worst thing has to be that he knocks over the fans' food and drink. Have you seen the price of concessions at the Staples Center?
Badass: Pau Gasol
Date: 4/4/2012
Not once but twice did Blake embarrass Pau Gasol. It was so bad, it had Gasol's teammate Andrew Bynum giving the mean mug after the second dunk. We wouldn't have been shocked if Gasol wanted to retire after this game. No wonder he doesn't have confidence.
Jackass: C-Webb Call-Out
Date: 5/7/2012
C-Webb is a legendary power forward that played with the flopping king aka Vlade Divac. So, when he mentions how bad Blake Griffin's flopping is, we figure he knows what he's talking about. What's interesting is Webber mentions how Blake will gain a negative reputation for flopping from the league. He must've slowed up because he's never received a warning or a fine.
Badass: The Mozgov Pt. 2 (Kendrick Perkins Edition)
Date: 1/30/2012
Don't look now Kendrick Perkins, you are on a poster! You've just got Mozgov'd. Blake is damn near unstoppable off the pick and roll.
Jackass: Stop Hitting Yourself
Date: 4/11/2012
This will not go on any Blake Show highlight reels. Griffin gets tangled up with Kendrick Perkins and swings his hand backwards to hit himself in the face. He then stares at the ref waiting for a call like your favorite soccer player. We just hope when he eyed the ref he didn't make the Blake face.
Badass: The Hammer
Date: 4/11/2012
Serge Ibaka is one of the best shot-blockers in the game today, so Blake putting him on a poster is pretty amazing. These two have created quite the highlight reel. Ibaka got the best of Blake with a block at the rim and Blake sought revenge by trying damage the family jewels.
Jackass: The Polish Elbow
Date: 12/23/2012
Marcin Gortat does what virtually every big man does after a rebound in traffic, he swings his elbows to get some space. But Blake decided to pretend that he got hit by one, and drew an offensive foul. If only the flop fines and warnings would've actually existed back then.
Badass: The Dunk/Offensive Foul
Date: 3/20/2011
Despite this turning into an offensive foul and technical for Griffin, this is one of the best dunks you're going to see. At least Griffin can put this on a poster and pretend like it counted. That's a no call, blue!
Jackass: "Stop Flopping"
Date: 11/3/2012
You know you have a flopping problem, when a player will call you out on your flopping in the middle of a game. It also might be a sign that you should stop. Blake is a great player, but we can do without the theatrics. Don't be a douche, bro.
Badass: The Manimal Gets Manhandled
Date: 4/18/2012
"The Manimal" Kenneth Faried is used to throwing down on practically everyone, so Blake decided to return the favor. The Mile High City and Faried weren't ready for this facial.
Jackass: Flop City
Date: 1/2/2013
Festus Ezeli grabs Blake's arm which is a foul, but Griffin exaggerates a 360 backspin and lands on his neck. That was the world's first flagrant flop. We can see why reactions like this happen.
Final Verdict: Badass
Blake flops. That's a part of his game and while we are happy to see his flopping come in lower frequencies, we would hope that he can eliminate it from his game altogether. Despite his love for theatrics, we appreciate it when he does them in the air.
Watching Griffin dunk on anyone and everyone in the Association has been quite impressive. He's become a walking and flying highlight reel. Blakes athleticism and skill have taken him past the "dunker" label. He's becoming more of a complete player which is a scary thought. The 3x All-Star and All-NBA Second Teamer has captivated audiences with his high-wire act and has curtailed the flopping. That right there is badass.