Nets ‘Blake Griffin on being dropped from rotation: ‘I don’t necessarily see it coming’

This time last season, Blake Griffin seems to be on his last legs as he struggles to get anything going with Detroit Pistons. But after agreeing to buy back, Griffin signed with brooklyn network and rejuvenated. Suddenly, he’s been steadily declining and putting together impressive performances in the knockout stages.

Unfortunately for Griffin and the Nets, that trend hasn’t continued this season. In fact, he played so badly that for more than the first month of the season that Nets coach Steve Nash eventually had to knock him out of rotation altogether. Griffin hasn’t played at all of the Nets’ most recent games.

Speaking to the press, Griffin said that he understood being left out of the starting lineup, but was surprised not to play. Via ESPN:

“No, I mean listen, [LaMarcus Aldridge] played unbelievable,” said Griffin. So I totally started with him, especially Joe [Harris] was released, and I totally get it. However, completely getting rid of it, I don’t necessarily see that coming. But that is not my decision. It’s our duty as players to do whatever the coach sees best, so at this point that’s what happened. “

Nash said he appreciates Griffin’s professionalism and hinted at the possibility of a return at some point.

“Well, I have a crush on him,” Nash said. “It’s not easy. You know it’s tough when you go through a tough passage and the world caves in a little bit. I’ve been there and understand that. We have to give the others a chance. The opportunity is here, but Blake has a great attitude.I really admire him for being active in this and keeping himself ready so that if the opportunity comes back he can have an impact. .”

Through 17 games this season, Griffin is averaging 5.5 points and 4.9 rebounds, while shooting 31.6 percent from the field and 16.1 percent from the ground by 3 points. Unsurprisingly, it will be the worst scoring and scoring season of his career.

As Nash mentioned, this is, first of all, just a bum. Every player gets to a point where they’re no longer themselves, and it’s never exciting to watch that unfold in real time – especially with someone like Griffin, who was at his prime. was one of the best athletes in recent memory. But the Nets are trying to win a title this season, and they can’t afford to give Griffin minutes just because of his background.