Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons agreed to buy-out the remainder of Griffin’s contract, making him an unrestricted free agent, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojarnowski.
Griffin had not played in a game for the Pistons since February 12. The six-time all-star agreed to sit out while the team worked on a trade/release scenario for him.
Soon after, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that: “The Brooklyn Nets are believed to be leaders to sign six-time All-Star Blake Griffin, sources tell me and @JLEdwardsIII. Rival teams with interest are expecting Griffin to choose Nets as a title favorite for a chance to win a championship.”
Though Pistons fans and ownership have expected a move for a long time, they still lament his loss. Team owner Tom Gores released a statement saying:
“Blake has been a great representative for our franchise and for the city of Detroit. His work ethic and his approach to the game contributed a lot to our culture. He has been a consummate pro, and we wish him continued success. I’m grateful for everything he did for our team and for our community”
Blake’s storied career
The veteran forward began his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he won rookie of the year. After sitting out his first year on the team, he also made the all-star team that season. Griffin is still the last rookie to appear in an all-star game.
Griffin averaged a 22.5-point, 12.1-rebound double-double his rookie year. Five of the next 6 years of his career, he averaged 20-plus points per game.
After seven years of incredible individual success, he signed a five-year max deal with the Clippers. It was during the all-star break of his next season, however, that the Clippers traded him away to the Detroit Pistons.
Despite a wildly talented roster dubbed ‘lob city’, the team was unable to reach a Conference Finals series. Following a tenure with the Clippers that was marred by lack of team success, Griffin was on to Detroit.
Time with the Pistons
In Detroit, Griffin completely reshaped his game. Entering the 2017-2018 season, Griffin had never averaged more than 0.6 three-point attempts in a single season.
That season, partly in L.A., partly in Detroit, Griffin bumped his attempts per game up to 5.6. He also averaged 78.5% from the free-throw line, the highest in his career up to that point.
This set up the 2018-2019 season, arguably the best year of his career. Griffin averaged 24.5Pts-7.5Reb-5.4Ast while shooting 36% from three. He also earned his first all-star nod since the 2014-2015 season.
The Pistons made the playoffs that year largely due to Griffin’s elevated play. He stuffed his season full of highlights, including the only 50-point game of his career. It marked the first time a Piston had scored 50 in a game since 2006.
2019 Playoffs
Griffin’s performance in the 2019 playoffs was the stuff of legend. He did not by any means stuff the stat-sheet. He did not hit game winners, or have any crazy dunks. He did not even win a single game. But none of that mattered.
On April 20, 2019, Griffin played in game 3, his first of the series. He had 27-7-6, not anything extraordinary considering his season averages. The extraordinary thing about this performance, however, did not show up in the stat sheet.
The meniscus in his left leg was completely torn.
Games 3 and 4, where Griffin played his heart out with more bandages than leg on his left knee, is seared into the memory of Pistons fans forever.
Recent years
Griffin’s last two years with the Pistons largely kept his all-star-level play behind him. He played 38 total games between the 2-seasons. This year, he is averaging career-lows in points, rebounds, steals, field goal attempts, and minutes.
The veteran forward will look to find a career rebirth on a contending season.
In a statement released by the team, Griffin said: “I thank the Pistons organization for working together on an outcome that benefits all involved and I wish the franchise success in the future.”
