Six-time All-Star considering retirement despite Celtics' interest in a reunion
Blake Griffin may have already played his final minutes in the NBA.
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens informed Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe that Griffin is considering retirement. Stevens confirmed the team has an interest in bringing the six-time All-Star back to Beantown for another season if he decides to return for a 14th season.
"I'm not blowing smoke, it was as good as it gets. He was unbelievable when he played and even better when he didn't," Stevens said of Griffin at ABCD Hoop Dreams. "He has a fan for life from everybody in our organization. You know, if he decides to keep playing, he wants to come back out East, he knows we're a phone call away."
Griffin, 34, is no longer the high-flying 20 PPG playmaker who dominated the league during his days with the Los Angeles Clippers in the early-to-mid 2010s. His usage has dwindled in recent seasons, playing a career-low 13.9 MPG with the Celtics in 2022-23, including just six total minutes across 20 playoff games. Since the start of the 2021-22 season, Griffin has averaged 5.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Despite his diminishing production, Griffin's presence would be greatly welcomed in the C's suddenly thin frontcourt. Boston's decision to trade Robert Williams III (and guard Malcolm Brogdon) to the Portland Trail Blazers for guard Jrue Holiday has left Boston lacking depth at the five-spot.
Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford are the only proven big men on the current roster. Luke Kornet, who averaged 11.7 MPG in 69 games for Boston last season, looks primed for a more significant role in 2023-24.
In an attempt to fend off a reloaded Milwaukee Bucks team and an always competitive Miami Heat squad in the East, inserting Griffin's leadership traits and veteran savviness into Boston's roster would only strengthen the Celtics' title hopes.
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