Now on break, the Detroit Pistons are expected to start assessing their lineup and start to rebuild for the next NBA season. This early, it appears that at least two veterans will be staying at Motor City. They are Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin. Both had different fates this 2019-20 NBA season but it appears new general manager Troy Weaver feels that the two veterans still have some gas left in the tank.
On one end is Rose. The former NBA MVP was a revelation for the Pistons putting up incredible numbers. His performance drew interest from around the league but Detroit did not budge. The only way they were dealing D-Rose away was if a team would offer a first-round pick as part of the deal.
Rose played in 50 games this season averaging 18.1 points, 5.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 26 minutes of action. His output was near his career-high numbers, an incredible turnaround considering he was on the verge of considering retirement.
On the other end is Griffin. The 6-foot-9 forward barely played this season as he continued to struggle with injuries. He managed to suit up in only 18 games where he averaged 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He logged 28.4 minutes in the games where he was healthy enough to suit up.
Griffin has struggled through injuries the past years and it appeared the Pistons were ready to give up on him. Aware of that, the All-Star forward took it all in stride and braced for the worst. At least for one more season, he will have the chance to show the Pistons and naysayers that he can still play at a competitive level.
“We feel like we have a good mixture of young guys with those two staples to be able to start there, but obviously we’ve got a lot of work to do with the draft and free agency,” Weaver said via ESPN.
One thing that could work for both Rose and Griffin is the long lay-off. With Detroit sent off to early vacation, both players will have enough time to rest and allow their respective injuries to heal. However, the time off may not be enough to ensure that both can stay durable starting next season. It remains that both may need to find ways to stay healthy and that includes adjusting their brand of play. Rose seems to have done just that, meaning Griffin may want to do the same.
