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What is next for Blake Griffin? An in-depth look at his future in Detroit

By Jacob Warfle

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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Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a game-winning score with Blake Griffin #23 (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a game-winning score with Blake Griffin #23 (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Option 2: Re-tool with Blake Griffin

As many have already stated, re-tooling with Griffin seems like the most viable option moving forward. When healthy, Griffin is force to be reckoned with and could return to his All-NBA form next season.

The roster pieces could add up faster than many people think. Young assets such as Kennard, Doumbouya, and Wood aren’t going anywhere.

The upcoming first-round draft pick will likely land Detroit a building block for the future such as LeMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, or Obi Toppin. Not to mention, the Pistons already have a lot of financial flexibility moving forward, even with Griffin’s contract on the books.

analysis. What re-tooling could look like for the Pistons. light

Flexibility that could be used to make a run at Brandon Ingram or Fred VanVleet.

The biggest positive that is being missed is that Griffin is good piece to build around. It can be quickly forgotten how dominant he is at the peak of his powers. He had just begun to scratch the surface on the reinvention of his game before the injury.

I am particularly excited to see how the Pistons plan to use Griffin with Drummond out of the picture next season. Will they pair him with Wood in the front court or could they go small and transition Griffin into some sort of stretch-five role?

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His flexibility is a huge asset as Detroit continues to stockpile young assets and draft picks.

Most of all, Griffin has embraced the Motor City and has stated he wants to turn this franchise around. If Detroit can continue to add young assets, hit on a couple of draft picks, and fill out the rest of the roster with veteran talent, Griffin could be playing with a winning roster within a couple of seasons.

I think Griffin understands what winning in Detroit would do to his legacy, even if it is just for a season or two to wrap up his career.

For Pistons fans, appreciating Griffin and embracing the rebuild do not need to be conflicting opinions. They can coexist. The “should of’s,” “could of’s,” and  “what if’s” of tanking and rebuilding can be exhausting, but Griffin provides the much needed stability that this franchise needs.

Next. Could the Pistons bring back Spencer Dinwiddie?. dark

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