Is it time to declare Blake Griffin as “fatigued”?

The Detroit Pistons have won their last 10 of 12 games. But is it time to declare Blake Griffin as “fatigued”?

Blake Griffin is without any doubt the guy who’s efforts have taken the Detroit Pistons to where they are now. Playing at an all-star level, averaging career numbers, making smart and winning plays for the team, expanding his already high basketball I.Q.. And making the All Star team are just proofs of what I’m saying. But can we consider him already fatigued? It just might be what we are seeing before our eyes.

Since the break he’s had the worst stretch of the season, averaging 17.4ppg, 6.4rpg, and 5.9 apg. Not bad numbers, but yet far from what we were used to see since the beginning of the season until the break (26ppg, 8rpg, and 6apg.). Also, Pistons forward is shooting 39.3% form the field and 34% from the three-point territory, giving him a TS% of 48.6% which again, is not bad; but we’ve seen him do better.

Of course we can’t just look at the numbers. The Pistons are playing the best basketball of the season and maybe of the last 3 or 4 years, and we all love a Detroit team playing together and (maybe) not having a guy who stands out from the rest. We have seen the offense change a lot, the ball is moving, the players are running and setting screens and the team’s best facilitator has been Blake, who has been creating opportunities for everyone on the court.

But is he really tired or just letting the team come together? Two night ago, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Blake had only 9 points, but dealt a team high 7 assist and a good effort rebounding the ball grabbing 6 rebounds (there’s not much left on terms of rebounding when you play with Andre Drummond), and shot only 4 of 13 from the floor. Despite that, the Pistons were rolling and put up a great team win.

Anyways, leaving numbers aside; I believe Blake is tired. The loss of stats show me that, his body language show me that but also there’s something in his shooting that is not clicking the way it was, and I don’t think this is just a shooting slump, although I really want to believe that it’s just that. And something I can’t put aside is the banging he’s received. He leads the league in charges drawn, he gets fouled a lot and the refs just don’t give him the call and he has to play against the biggest and strongest bodies of the NBA night in and night out.

I wrote a poll in my Twitter account asking the people if they could sit Blake to rest for a couple of games would they do it, and 64% of the people answer YES, which kind of proves the point I’m making in here. NBA Twitter can sense it and of course Pistons fans can sense it. But, should we be worried?

Honestly, I’m not concerned. yes he’s having a rough time shooting, and doing the stuff he used to do before the break, yet he’s been leading from the bench and on the court only with a reduced role because of course, with the team playing the way is playing, he doesn’t need to be on the court that much time and still, when he is playing; he delegates and spreads the court in a great way, getting everybody pumped up and focused in their roles and what it takes to win.

So, do I think Blake needs a break? Yes. What happens next? I strongly believe we could have Blake back full speed ahead for the end of the season and into the Playoffs where his presence and leadership will be much-needed. Today the Pistons visit the Bulls and the result of that game could dictate Blake’s day off. Go Pistons!