Griffin is looking out for No. 1 before draft
Likely top selection of Clippers continues to work on his game
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Forget the stars of the NBA finals: nobody linked with pro basketball enjoys a better life right now than former Oklahoma star Blake Griffin. He’s the surer-than-taxed first pick in the NBA draft on June 25, with the lone debate centering on whether he has the game to anchor a long stretch of Clippers playoff appearances. Griffin spoke with reporters, including Sporting News’ Dave Curtis, at the NBA draft combine last month in Chicago.
Q: What’s a typical day in your life right now?
A: When I’m back in San Francisco working out, I wake up at 6. We do basketball from 7:30 until 10:30 or 11. We get a little bit of time off, then we do all our strength and conditioning workouts. We go back at night and just shoot.
Q: So just basketball 24-7? No down time out there?
A: I get to eat here and there. No, we have our days off, but that’s the way it should be. All I’m really focused on is working and getting better.
Q: How are you handling all this pre-draft stuff knowing you’re going first?
A: I’m playing as if I don’t know right now; which I don’t. I mean, I’m not guaranteed anything. I’m going through it just like anyone else.
Q: So is there something you’re looking to show to teams as you go through?
A: Hopefully I can show — a lot of people have an idea that all I do is dunk, all I do is make layups. Hopefully, I can show them I’m a little more versatile than that. I can score a little from outside and dribble a little bit and be more than a one-dimensional player.
Q: Mike Dunleavy says the Clippers are taking you first. Do you believe him?
A: Let’s say I believe him. As possibly one of my next coaches ... Anything can happen, you never say never. Like I said, I’m just going through it like I have no idea.
Q: What’s been your favorite part of the pre-draft process?
A: The restaurants have been pretty good. Food’s a big part of my life. Nah, just getting to meet people, different players. It’s fun to listen to them. You’re getting perspectives and taking advice from them.
Q: Last year, Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley said going first didn’t mean a whole lot. Where do you stand on that?
A: It means a lot, but whether you’re going No. 1, or 3 or 4 or 5, that doesn’t change what kind of player I am. I’m still the same player and can do the same things. It doesn’t make me better, but definitely it’s a goal. It’s an honor. Humbling.
Q: Who’s had the biggest influence in your basketball career?
A: My dad. Since I was little, for as long as I can remember, he’s the one who taught me how to play this game. Watching his work ethic, watching him work with my brother, it’s rubbed off on me.
Q: How about the late Wayman Tisdale?
A: He did. I didn’t get to know him until middle of freshman year. The influence he had on my game and life, just life in general. The way he views it. It’s a positive influence and something I’ll always remember.
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A: I got a little taste of that. It’s not tough. You know there are people watching you. You have to be a positive role model and not put yourself in bad situations.
Q: Willie Warren faced a similar decision this year to what you faced last year. How much did you communicate with and help him?
A: The main thing I told him was that, when I was going through the process, the people who helped me the most were the ones that gave me info and said I’m going to be behind you no matter what. That’s what I did. He had all the information. I just said, you’re going to be fine whatever you do. If you come back, have to dedicate yourself to it 100 percent. You’ll be fine. If you don’t, you’ll be fine, too.
Q: Surprised by his decision?
A: A little bit. People said so many things about him staying or leaving, I just kind of took it as it was.
Q: Which player’s game most resembles your game?
A: I really like how Amare Stoudemire came into the league. We’re kind of at the same position. He really liked to use his athleticism and dunk all the time. He developed his jump shot, and that’s something I’m working on right now. I kind of imagine myself in that category.
Q: What’s been the hardest thing about all this?
A: The most challenging thing is just managing my time. Always making sure I get workouts in and going different places. I’ve been to Los Angeles, New York, and been all over the place. I try to get everything in, but then also make sure I get in what’s important.
Q: Like dinner?
A: Yeah. And breakfast and lunch, too.
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