I should probably stay out of this, as both sides already seemed firmly entrenched and unlikely to change their opinions.
Right now, I give the edge to Love.
In terms of scoring, they get their points in different ways, but are surprisingly close in both PTS/36 and scoring efficiency. I personally don't care how they score, as long as they do and do so efficiently. Griffin gets more dunks, but 2 points is 2 points. So, a 15 jumper counts the same on the scoreboard. Love has a higher TS%, but Griffin has a higher eFG%. Griffin gets to the line a little more, but he's a poor FT shooter. Love is a great FT shooter and actually MAKES more FT/G and more FT/36 than Griffin. So, in terms of scoring and scoring efficiency, these two are remarkably close and I call it a draw.
They are both excellent passers for big men. Griffin gets fractionally more AST/G and AST/36, but Love is a great outlet passer. Those outlet passes initiate a fast break that often leads to an easy basket - but someone else gets the assist. Again, this is close enough I'd call it a draw.
Defense is also a draw at this point. Griffin has the athleticism to be a better defender, but doesn't know how to use it yet. He leaves his feet to often and is often out of position on defense. He gets surprisingly few steals and blocks for someone so big and athletic - barely topping Love in both categories. Love lacks Griffin's lateral quickness and leaping ability (although Love is a better athlete than most people give him credit for). Love plays much better position defense and uses his wide frame to hold his position. Griffin has the potential to be better, but right now, I'd call this one a draw.
So, where does Love have the advantage - rebounding. Love is easily the best rebounder the NBA has seen since Dennis Rodman was in his prime. I always place a very high value on rebounding. A team that dominates the boards always has an excellent chance to win - even if they shoot poorly. Rebounds mean possessions. Unfortunately, both Love and Griffin are surrounded by poor teammates. So, those extra possessions often go to waste. Put Kevin Love on a good team and those extra posessions will help his team win a lot more close games. Griffin is a very good rebounder, but Love is the best rebounder the league has seen in over 10 years.
So, right now, today, I give the advantage to Kevin Love. Personally, I'd love to have either player on the Blazers. I doubt if either is attainable. Too bad, I think we could have gotten Love without giving up too much a year, or so ago. With the big numbers he's putting up this year, that ship has sailed. Even if he was available, the price would be much higher. As long as Griffin is on a cheap rookie contract, he won't be available. Once he becomes a free agent bound to command a max. contract, he may be available for the right combination of expiring contracts and cheap, young talent. Who knows what the Blazers will have to offer at that time.
BNM
