Now that the NBA calendar has yet to begin, many players like the Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin are using the time to workout and play in a few pickup games.
For professional athletes, it is always important to stay sharp and keep that competitive fire alive at all times.
Just recently, Blake Griffin trained with Kings guard Buddy Hield and Hawks rookie Trae Young and you can bet they got in a few 1-on-1 games with each other. After Toby Rowland of Sooner Sports asked him who came out victorious, this was his response:
I asked Blake Griffin tonight who wins 1-on-1 if he played Buddy Hield & Trae Young. Blake said they played this afternoon. Buddy won 2, Blake won 1, Trae was shut out. “It’s a rookie thing,” Blake said.
— Toby Rowland (@TRowOU) August 25, 2018
Many would have thought that the former No. 1 overall pick could easily use his size, strength, and athleticism to bully his way through the two younger players, but it's surprising that Hield won a majority of the games.
While we weren’t there to witness the games firsthand, it’s probably safe to assume that he used his outside shooting and speed to score over Blake, while constantly posting up the smaller rookie.
Young, on the other hand, has a lot more to learn about the NBA’s physicality and this experience will go a long way in helping him adjust to it.
Still, its good to know that despite the intensity and rivalries taking place in the league, players are finding time to have fun and help each other to grow – even if it is just a 1-on-1 game.
If this becomes a regular sight, maybe Adam Silver can even consider adding a tournament like this to the All-Star Game?
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