The real reason Detroit Pistons offense is clunky

Preparing for Griffin-less future

First off, Blake Griffin has not uttered one word publicly about being unhappy with the Detroit Pistons. You could say he is the  anti-James Harden. Griffin says he is embracing the mentoring of the younger players and is looking forward to the season.

And it may all be true. However, if Griffin is healthy and comes back to even a semblance of the player he was two years ago, there is really no reason for him to stay.

The team is a few years away from contending and his contract runs out after next season. With his skills, he could help a contending team, and Detroit could get a valuable asset in return. Win-win situation.

Would Griffin’s leaving be a devastating blow to the team? Well, it wouldn’t help, losing the only real go-to player you have, outside of Rose.

However, the clunky starting lineup, all of a sudden, gets less clunky. Interesting?

WIth Griffin gone, Grant moves into his more natural power forward slot. The Pistons can then insert into the starting lineup rookie Saddiq Bey, who they gave up Luke Kennard and four second rounders to get, into his natural small forward position. A position they hope Bey will keep for many years.

Gee, it is almost like Griffin was holding the spot while Bey got acclimated to life in the NBA, and then departed for greener pastures when it was determined he was ready. Coincidence?

Of course, the way Josh Jackson has been playing, he might slip into that starting spot. It would make a lot of sense, if he continues to play like he did in the preseason.

Either way, the Pistons starting lineup fits a lot better when Griffin has left.

But what happens if Grant thrives at the small forward spot? This is  specifically why he came to Detroit, to be more part of the offense.

That leads to another possibility