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#2 Blake Griffin
Like Simmons, fans had to wait a year before they could see Blake Griffin in action.
In 2009, Griffin was the first pick of the 2009 NBA draft. The Los Angeles Clippers selected the athletic forward from Oklahoma, and he played for their Summer League team. Then, Griffin suffered a setback.
In the preseason, Griffin injured his knee after dunking and landing improperly. It was revealed that he had a stress fracture in his left knee and eventually had to undergo a procedure on his kneecap. He missed the 2009-10 season as Tyreke Evans won Rookie of the Year. Then, Griffin returned with a vengeance.
In the 2010-11 season, Griffin was a highlight reel. His athletic dunks and plays left the league in awe. This lead to him participating in and winning the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend. On top of his Dunk Contest win, he accomplished other things. He also set records in consecutive double-doubles.
During his rookie season, Griffin averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds (a career-high). He became the first rookie since Elton Brand to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Griffin was a double-double machine and set a Clippers franchise record for most consecutive double-doubles.
He set the record after getting 23 straight double-doubles. Griffin set a record by having 27-consecutive double-doubles. This was the longest streak since 1968. This streak was an impressive accomplishment that not many have done since then.
Griffin played all 82 games in his rookie season. This was significant considering he missed the previous season. Griffin stayed healthy and played well throughout the campaign.
The Clippers rookie had an excellent season and became the 2011 Rookie of the Year. He was the first unanimous winner since former San Antonio Spurs great David Robison did it in 1990.
Griffin's rookie season was awe-inspiring. He accomplished so much that Sports Illustrated listed him as one of the league's greatest rookies of all-time. While Griffin is still a productive player, his rookie season was indeed something special.
