Blake Griffin had many suitors after the Pistons bought him: Lakers, Heat, Bucks, Nets and many other contenders and playoff teams lined up for his services.
He chose Brooklyn.
Why? Griffin answered this in an AMA on the Bleacher Report.
“They need a man on all fours. I’ve always had a lot of respect for Steve Nash and all the guys they have. Sean Marks did a great job there. It was a difficult decision and I wanted to be part of a team that was struggling. “
To be clear, the Nets need depth in the four – they start Kevin Durant there. He is the elite walking definition. However, Griffin will have an off the bench chase after Durant, as well as some time as a small ball of five (the Nets have succeeded with Jeff Green in that role, but will try it out).
The other reason why Griffin chose Brooklyn?
“My only goal is to help win a championship. Some years are more realistic than others. But that’s why I came to Brooklyn. “
The Nets are legitimate candidates and Griffin plays a role, but it remains to be seen how much he can help them in the playoffs. Griffin averages 12.3 points per game, but hitting 36.5% overall and 31.5% hitting three this season – that track and field that was the hallmark of his game has disappeared over time and a series of injuries. The elevator is no longer there in his jumper, and he is not mobile (and a target) in defense.
Griffin is a high IQ player who knows where to be and is a smart passer – he can help with the attack that way. The question is whether he will hit the open jumpers that James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Durant will create. He has struggled with this this season, but if Griffin can find his jumper in Brooklyn, he will have a quality role for them in the attack.