Blake Griffin of the Detroit Pistons has hardly seen any action this 2019-20 NBA season, and the 2011 Slam Dunk champion's future is on thin ice. Injuries have plagued the six-time NBA All-Star, and there is a chance he may not be in the Motor City as early this summer.
As most know, the Pistons are on rebuilding mode with emphasis on youth and players who are available to play each night. Griffin played only 18 games this season and struggled with a knee injury. Though he put up decent numbers when he was able to suit up, it remains that his absence has hurt the Pistons. Heading into the summer, the 30-year-old forward's future with the Pistons is not looking so bright.
The Pistons have been cleaning house recently. They traded away Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers and bought out Reggie Jackson and Markieff Morris. Griffin's fate is up in the air, but the front office could be evaluating his contract and stay if he continues to sit out for some time.
"Just because of the type of player Dre is and also what he meant to this franchise. I haven’t involved myself really in that. When the time comes, I’ll have that conversation to see where we’re at and go from there,” Griffin said to the Detroit News.
Of course, Griffin could still be safe if the Pistons keep the faith. Derrick Rose, someone who has struggled through injuries the past years, has curiously gained the trust of the franchise. But compared to Griffin, this was largely because the former NBA MVP was able to prove that he could reinvent himself. Griffin may want to do the same moving forward.
In 18 games, Griffin averaged 15.5 points and 4.7 rebounds. Normally those would be good numbers but not for someone who is being paid a hefty sum. The former NBA Rookie of the Year is set to make $34.2 million this season and $36.6 million. One can just imaging the money Detroit is throwing away.
Some things could happen this offseason. Once Griffin returns, he needs to show that he can still play at a high level. But based on how things have gone, the 6-foot-9 forward also needs to pray that the Pistons do not give up on him. They will wait but need to see good returns on their investment. Right now, paying a star who is not consistently out there is veering in the wrong direction. And if he does get cut, his market value could take a big tumble.
