Blake Griffin injures knee, replaced by Anthony Davis on Team USA

One of the biggest gripes about the Olympic games featuring NBA talent comes from owners – Mark Cuban being one of the more vocal – is the concern about injury while playing in the games.

Clippers star Blake Griffin, who just signed a 5-year-$90 million deal with the franchise, twisted his left knee Wednesday during a Team USA scrimmage in Vegas. This is the same knee he hurt during the second round of the playoffs.

The extent of the injury isn’t know yet but Blake is returning to Los Angeles to have an MRI and be examined by doctors, including a visit to a specialist on Sunday

The fact that it’s the same knee he injured in the Memphis series raises the obvious question, was he completely healed before camp began last week. This is an important season for the Clippers as they’ve resigned Billups, got Jamal Crawford and it’s the final year of Chris Paul’s contract. Blake’s health is a key component. But since the injury his true rookie year, Blake has never missed an NBA game.

Number one pick Anthony Davis was summoned to Vegas and will replace Blake. Team USA faces off against the Dominican Republic Thursday night in an exhibition game.