Brooklyn Nets: Big things expected after the Blake Griffin acquisition?
Big things are expected for the Brooklyn Nets after the acquisition of Blake Griffin.
This has to be an exciting time for Brooklyn Nets fans. The team is currently in second place in the Eastern Conference and is in a prime position to compete for an NBA title. The probability of that happening has greatly increased as the Nets agreed to sign former No. 1 overall pick and former All-NBA performer Blake Griffin.
Some may disagree that Griffin will be able to be a difference-maker in the Nets’ pursuit of a championship. It’s evident that Griffin appears to have lost some explosiveness and agility as injuries have taken a toll on him over the years. His shooting has also improved over the years but not enough for him to be relied upon as a consistent scorer on the perimeter.
If he can somehow knock down open jump shots, he will become a valuable asset to the Nets as he is sure to get plenty of opportunities and open looks due to Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden garnering all the attention on the offensive end of the floor.
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Even though Griffin’s career has been somewhat derailed and overwhelmed by injuries, people tend to forget how great of a player he was. He was a phenomenal athlete who played above the rim, could give his team a double-double on any given night, and was becoming one of many promising young superstars in the NBA.
But will Griffin be able to solidify the Nets roster and become that missing piece to the puzzle to get them over the top and give them a definite edge over their opponents?
It’s already a known fact how the Nets can score in bunches as they lead the league in scoring at 121.1 points per game. If Griffin can rebound effectively, help space the floor, knock down open shots and play the center position whenever head coach Steve Nash decides to go small, then his impact in the lineup could pay huge dividends.
Griffin averaged 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 20 games with the Detroit Pistons this season and hasn’t played in a game since February 12. If Griffin can put up anything close to the stats he put up as a member of the Pistons this season, he could very well be lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy at the season’s end.
More importantly, how will Griffin’s defensive presence make a difference? It’s almost certain that the Nets will eventually face the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Philadelphia 76ers and MVP front runner Joel Embiid, and Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat. The Nets own the fifth-worst defensive rating and allow the fourth-most points in the NBA, and it’s very likely that Griffin will be matched up against those elite players at some point in the regular season and also in the playoffs.
If Griffin and center De’Andre Jordan can help protect the rim and play physical defense, it could increase the Nets’ offensive possessions if they can get stops. Griffin doesn’t have to get the Nets 20 points or even 10 rebounds every game but he should take advantage and exploit mismatches with Durant, Irving, and Harden on the floor with him.
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We probably won’t see the Griffin of old with all of the highlight reel dunks and spectacular plays but he should play inspired basketball simply because of the golden opportunity afforded to him playing with a legitimate contender.