Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin belongs in the City of Detroit

By Bob Heyrman

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 28: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after a second half basket while playing the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on March 28, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 115-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 28: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after a second half basket while playing the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on March 28, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 115-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

When the Detroit Pistons traded for Blake Griffin, it was a franchise-changing deal.  Although they moved an outstanding player in Tobias Harris in the package who was my favorite player on the roster at the time, I was ecstatic to see Griffin play as a member of the Pistons.

Griffin had an incredible first full season with the Detroit Pistons, a season that will without a doubt be hard to replicate.  Before we get into his regular season stats, I wanted to point out Griffin playing hurt in the playoffs with the Pistons was very admirable.

When he was dealt to Detroit from L.A, many national sports media figures snickered.  They laughed because the summer before the Clippers basically told Griffin he would be a Clipper for life.  It appeared the team was freeing up cap space in an attempt to land LeBron James.  He, of course, was heading to L.A to play in the Staples Center but for the Lakers instead.  I bet he wishes he joined the Clippers right about now…

At times athletes and their sports teams can sort of take on the personality of their city. I know it may sound odd, but it’s true.  Think of the Pittsburgh Steelers; they’ve been known for playing tough defense up until the last couple of years, in the steel capital of America.  Dwayne Wade in Miami with that familiar smirk after knocking down a big shot–he probably smiles like that walking down the beach drinking a Miami Vice.

More from Detroit Jock City

Magic Johnson loved the bright lights; he played with that showman like swagger; perfect for the Lakers.  The Detroit Pistons have that “going to work” slogan that I love, but they’ve failed to live up to that for what seems like ten years.  Finally, while Blake Griffin was grimacing in pain, grinding out those last couple playoff games because he knows he’s all we’ve got to cheer for at the moment, proved he belonged.

He didn’t need to play, he knew the team didn’t have a chance but we wanted to see him out there working, he could have comfortably sat out the final two games and no one would have said a thing about it.  He didn’t, and we love him for it.  If you were disappointed with the end result just look at how quickly the Bucks rid themselves of the Boston Celtics in round two.

Griffin had a terrific regular season averaging the twelveth most points per game in the league, 24.5 points a night.  His FG% was well above average at 46.2%, better than players like Paul George, James Harden, Damian Lillard & Kemba Walker.  Of course, I’m not suggesting he’s a better all-around player than these guys, just magnifying how well he played. He also averaged 7.5 boards, with 5.4 assists per game.

His injury history was a major concern when he arrived in Detroit, but his talent is undeniable.  The problem is his supporting cast is anything but automatic.  Reggie Jackson is a solid NBA point guard, but he’s failed to stay healthy throughout his career.  Things changed for Reggie this year, for the first time in his career he started all 82 regular season games.

He was very productive all season long in a bit of a limited role.  It appeared head coach Dwane Casey was cautious and limited the minutes with his often injured starting point guard.  Ish Smith was a valuable back-up guard which allowed Casey to preserve both guards.  Smith averaged 22-minutes a night, while Jackson played 28.

Jackson had arguably the second best full season of his career averaging 15.4 points a night chipping in with 4.2 assists per game.  He was 37% from three with an FG% of .421.  Jackson makes big money and for a respectable middle of the road NBA point guard.  Next season will be the final year of his deal; he’s set to make 18-million.

Andre Drummond who is set to make 27-million next season had a great regular season especially on the boards, but the guy seems to struggle with put backs’ along with appearing lazy at times and slow to get back helping on the defensive side. He became invisible for the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs which forces fans to grind their teeth when they think about his potential.  He averaged 17.3 points per game with 15.6 boards.  There are many more players to mention, but for this piece, we decided to talk about these three.

Next. A questionable pick that hopefully excels. dark

It was Casey’s first full season with the Detroit Pistons, he has pieces to work with and the team definitely improved. The Casey led Pistons qualified for the playoffs for the first time after a two-year absence. It was Griffins first entire season in Detroit, and he excelled, he belongs here, he can thrive here if the team can surround him with a few more shooters.

Home/Detroit Pistons