NBA – Dynamic dunker Griffin named Rookie of the Year [video]

LOS ANGELES (NBA) - Blake Griffin didn't lead the Los Angeles Clippers into the play-offs in his first year of professional basketball but the young forward did provide a career's worth of highlights.

As a result, the 22-year-old has been named Rookie of the Year.

Griffin averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

That last number was impressive considering his position, and the fact that he ranked second among rookies in assists.

The former Oklahoma star was drafted first overall in 2009 but got hurt in the pre-season and had to miss the entire campaign.

This season, therefore, was considered his first.

"To miss my entire first year and then be able to be up here today is definitely satisfying," Griffin said.

"When I got injured, I just decided I had to come back even better. I had to keep improving even while I couldn't play, and I dedicated myself to that."

Griffin had one 27-game streak when he had double-doubles in points and rebounds.

He finished the year with 63 double-doubles.

What fans are likely to remember most about Griffin's year, however, was his winning slam in the All-Star dunk contest.

The high-flying Griffin soared over the hood of a car, caught a pass made by Baron Davis through the sun roof and jammed it with home with two hands.

His Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro may have put it best when commenting on Griffin's award.

"He's a highlight at any second of the game," Del Negro said, "but he's also smart enough to know that the fundamentals are the part that will make him better and help this team."

It seems only a matter of time before Griffin finds himself in a Team USA shirt.

It could happen next year when the Americans try to defend their Olympic title in London.

Check out the best highlights of Griffin's rookie campaign

FIBA