After 15 seasons within the NBA and probably his final with the Boston Celtics, ahead Blake Griffin is considering his future within the league. In his lone season in Boston thus far, No. 91 performed 41 video games wherein he averaged 4.1 factors, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. A six-time NBA All-Star, the previous Slam Dunk contest champion was properly revered by C’s followers and teammates, no matter his restricted time on the courtroom.
With the Celtics skinny within the frontcourt, Boston would “possible welcome a return by veteran huge man Blake Griffin, who performed properly final yr, and was a robust locker room presence” wrote Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. However based on Himmelsbach, the reunion appears “unlikely,” as Griffin considers his future this summer season.
Blake Griffin describes time with Celtics as ‘unbelievable’
Picture by Jordan Johnson/NBAE through Getty Photos
In a latest one-on-one interview with Dan Rappoport of Barstool Sports activities, Griffin opened up about his transient time in Beantown, and his expertise on and off the courtroom.
In a latest episode on Fore Play Golf, Griffin elaborates on the Celtics, particularly Jayson Tatum.
“Dude, Boston is unbelievable. Residing in [Boston], taking part in in Boston, was like, among the finest experiences,” Griffin advised Rappoport. “The followers are unbelievable, having a group that’s so championship targeted, they do all the pieces. The gamers on that group are similar to such an ideal group of fellows — everybody’s all completely different.”
The NBA veteran additionally had some significant phrases about star Jayson Tatum.
“A man like Jayson Tatum, a legit famous person, so humble, talks to everybody on the group, talks to the entire employees,” stated Griffin. “He’d go sit and have a dialog with like whoever.”
The massive man opens up about accidents and longevity within the NBA
Though solely 34 years outdated, Griffin was drafted at 20 years outdated in 2009 by the Los Angeles Clippers. All through his illustrious profession, Griffin has had unlucky mishaps with knee accidents. With coaching camp as a consequence of begin in 4 weeks, the previous Celtic made remarks on accidents, and the potential influence final yr had on his physique.
“After this season, prefer it takes somewhat bit longer to get better. I’ve had 9 surgical procedures, one larger one my rookie yr on my left knee, and since then, my knees have simply been scoped for probably the most half.” stated Griffin.
As soon as recognized for his absurd dunks, particularly within the Lob Metropolis days, Griffin as soon as acknowledged he felt ‘historical’ in comparison with the younger gamers within the league. Poised to win an NBA championship, Griffin’s desires of holding the Larry O’Brien trophy fell brief final season. Riddled by accidents, the massive man has handled a mess of issues, together with a damaged kneecap, meniscus tear, stress fractures, a damaged proper hand, toe and again ache, a number of knee accidents, a sprained left MCL, ankle, and hamstring accidents. For a participant that’s solely 34, that could be a substantial damage historical past.
“I’ve had some unhealthy luck accidents. I believe I might have like perhaps modified issues right here and there. I actually like made it a degree to maintain my physique.”
Beginning in 16 of 41 video games for the C’s, Mazzulla opted to maintain him out of the playoff rotation, after struggling again ache towards the 76ers. It actually feels as if Father Time has caught up with the journeyman.
The Celtics are open to Griffin’s return
Forty-one video games performed on the courtroom isn’t a whole lot of time to develop relationship and chemistry with teammates and personnel. Nonetheless, for Griffin, he made a fast influence in his brief tenure with the group. His connectivity with each followers and colleagues didn’t go unseen.
With Robert Williams III affected by accidents, the C’s had been typically skinny of their frontcourt. Griffin grew to become a needed starter, particularly with Williams out till mid-December final season. Though not the caliber participant he as soon as was, Griffin’s best month got here in December. By seven video games, the ahead averaged 6.9 factors, and 5 rebounds. In that very same month, he averaged a season-high 18.4 minutes per recreation, wherein we noticed loads of hustle dives, rebounds, put backs, and the occasional posterizing dunks.
With one roster spot left, Blake Griffin could be anticipated to signal a veteran minimal deal if he decides to return. With the latest signing of Svi Mykhailiuk, Boston stays simply over $2 million beneath the second apron per Spotrac.
Picture by Kate Frese/NBAE through Getty Photos
He’s popular with Celtics coaches, teammates and personnel
Extra possible than not, Griffin is a superb match for the Celtics when it comes to basketball IQ, expertise, and veteran management. In 15 seasons performed within the NBA, Griffin arose in 9 whole playoff appearances, excluding final yr’s run. For a C’s group that’s hungry to ship its first championship since 2008, Blake is actually a participant that might profit everybody round him. His presence, together with defensive consciousness, and understanding of the sport will endlessly stay valued by Boston. With Porzingis and Williams experiencing accidents, Griffin would offer depth and a voice for the championship contenders.
C’s President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens hinted at a potential reunion between the massive man and Boston.
“When [Robert Williams III] was out at first of the yr, these guys that performed in his place did a tremendous job of maintaining us afloat,” he stated. “Blake was pretty much as good because it will get each on and off the courtroom.”
Shortly after the Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks 134-125 on March 11, Jayson Tatum spoke extremely of Griffin, who completed with a productive 8 factors, 5 rebounds, one steal, and one block. Tatum particularly talked about his accidents, perseverance, and the influence on this squad.
“I give Blake a whole lot of credit score. A man that was a famous person on this league, a number of All-Stars, was actually on the high. Whether or not it’s by accidents or no matter, he has actually taken on a special function. Takes the primary bus, on off days, he performs pickup with the fellows that perhaps don’t play. I recognize that so much, the fellows do as properly, by no means makes it about himself, and it is contagious. His vitality, his enthusiasm, his persona, we’re all very lucky to have him as a teammate. All people respects him, respects what he’s completed, and his voice carries.”
If that quote by Tatum doesn’t paint an image of Blake Griffin and his affect on this group, I don’t know what does.
