Blake Griffin Trade: Who Wins?
Formerly introduced to the NBA world in 2009 as the first round draft pick for the Los Angeles Clippers, Blake Griffin has let the world know that he is here. Impressing all in his 2011 All-Star Slam Dunk contest (I am sure we can all agree, watching it again today still raises the anxieties), we expected Blake to be praiseworthy in the NBA. Come on people, this man dunked over a KIA Optima. We knew he was destined for greatness. In light of his recent trade, who wins?
The trade came as a shock to Clippers fans, and to Griffin himself. Three minutes after the Pistons and Clippers were “in-talks” of a trade, on the ESPN website, Blake bore a Piston’s jersey with the number 23. Within the trade, Piston’s acquired Griffin and Willie Reed for Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley. The Clippers seem to be attempting to develop a “younger” franchise by replacing Griffin with Harris.
Let’s rewind before Griffin’s trade.
Before the season began, Clippers already managed to lose CP to the Rockets, Jamal Crawford to the Timberwolves and J.J. Redick to the 76ers. With trade deadlines coming close, who would have expected Blake Griffin to be the next to go?
Blake, one of the leading scorers for LA, is not shatterproof, which could lead fans to believe that the trade resulted in an automatic rip off for Detroit. This year alone, Griffin has missed 18 games due to a head injury from a previous game for the Clippers against the Warriors. Not only do his injuries stand out in regular season games, but also Blake, nominated as an All-star five times, has missed the last three years of the game. Joining Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard and Stanley Johnson, Griffin could be a strong risk for the Pistons to take, because, Griffin seems injury prone throughout the extension of his career. But, if Griffin manages to stay healthy for the remainder of the season, what could this mean for the Pistons?
When in good health, Griffin is, no doubt, a force and possibly a force the Pistons desperately needed. Averaging over 21 points, 8 rebounds and at least 5 assists per game; his talent is one to stand out, no matter the team nor day.
The Clippers’ and Pistons both share record standings, ninth within their individual conferences at 26-25. So, who comes out on top amongst the trade? My vote? The Pistons. Acquiring Griffin, the Pistons not only gain a powerful power forward, but they are giving the opportunity to fill the seats of their brand new Red Wing Stadium in Downtown Detroit, and the trade brings attention and money to the D as well.
Scoring 24 points and gaining five assists in his debut game for the Detroit Pistons, Blake wears 23 well, and the team chemistry shows since the trade. Drummond and Griffin work soundly and together averages nine assists per game. Because of this trade, should Pistons fans look forward to an appearance in the playoffs this year? Will there be a repeat of the 04 champions? Only time can tell, but in the meantime, welcome to Detroit, BG!
