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3 players that Detroit Pistons fans are thankful for

By Nicolas Henkel

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons hi-fives fans after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 11, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons hi-fives fans after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 11, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Despite their struggles, the Detroit Pistons have a devoted fan base. Here are three players that we’re the most thankful for.

Blake Griffin is far and away one of the most beloved athletes not just for the Detroit Pistons, but in the entire city. He didn’t ask to be here, but he’s embraced it. He’s essentially become the embodiment of what it means to play in Detroit. He’ll put his body on the floor to save a loose ball, he’ll absorb heavy contact in order to draw a charging foul, and he’ll attack the rim with ferocity.

Having a defined superstar in Detroit has become somewhat foreign to fans. The Detroit Lions have Matthew Stafford, but outside of Detroit he’s not exactly respected the way many feel he should be. Griffin is undoubtedly an established star in his own league, and has given the Pistons some notoriety.

Had Detroit been able to win more games last season, Griffin would have been in the conversation for the MVP. He willed the Pistons into the playoffs, and despite missing the first two games of the opening round, fans knew exactly what he had put himself through to get them there.

Coming into this season, he was still dealing with the injury that kept him out of the final stretch of last season. After slowly working his way back to full strength, we’re beginning to see the Blake Griffin that we saw last season.

His 50-point performance last season against the 76ers was arguably the happiest memory Pistons fans have had in the last several years. At the time it provided a much needed sense of optimism, and that’s been a reoccurring theme during Griffin’s tenure in Detroit.

He also provides a sense of stability, a feeling of “okay, things may actually be okay.” And for that, we’re thankful.

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