It’s no secret that Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin isn’t having his best campaign.
Last season, he nearly single-handedly willed the Pistons to a playoff appearance and was by far the team’s MVP. This year, injuries have hampered his availability and performance. He was forced to miss the first 10 games with a lingering knee injury, and has missed several more since than. When he’s on the court, he’s not looking anything like the star forward from last season.
He’s averaging just 15.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting just 35.9% from the field, 25.3% from 3-point range and 78.4% at the free throw line.
It culminated in a sub-par night against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, and there were even smattering of boos from the crowd at Little Caesars Arena.
But that doesn’t bother his teammates, who are still in the big man’s corner. Center Andre Drummond stated that he’s in regular communication with Griffin, and is always talking him up.
“I’m in constant communication with him on court and always telling him he’s fine,” Drummond explained. “There’s nothing he can do about it right now. He’s missing shots and really can’t get himself into a rhythm, but I told him that we all believe in him.
“Just keep playing, keep doing the same things and those shots will fall. We still need him defensively so don’t worry about the offensive end. It will come.”
At 11-20, the Pistons sit at 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
– – Quotes courtesy of Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press Link – –
