words // Brandon Richard
With 82 games (and 214 vicious dunks), Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin went from another possible victim of the Clipper Curse to one of the emerging superstars in the NBA. Griffin made a name for himself off of his rim-rockers, but placing fourth with 12.1 rebounds per game and leading rookies in overall scoring made for what is arguably the best rookie campaign we've seen since Shaq's days in Orlando. On Wednesday, Blake was acknowledged for his stellar rookie season by being name the 2010-2011 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Along with Blake's newfound stardom comes the media circus that follows afterwards. Making the rounds, Blake made an appearance on the new Conan O'Brien Late Night Show on TBS on Thursday. With his usual dry sense of humor, Blake discussed several topics, including future Dunk Contest ideas, rookie hazing and fan reactions to crowd diving.
Not only did Blake make sure to gift Conan with a pair of autographed Nike Hyperdunk 2011 PEs, but he also wore a pair with his suit on the show. Check out the interview below, as well as a photo of Blake's Rookie of the Year trophy and Hyperdunk 2011 PE.
