USA TODAY Sports

Why Is This Former 1st Overall Pick Still A Free Agent On NBA Opening Night?

Originally posted on Fastbreak on FanNation
By Ben Stinar | Last updated 10/24/23

Blake Griffin was once among the best players (and dunkers) in the NBA.

This past season, the 34-year-old was a veteran role player for the Boston Celtics and averaged 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest while shooting 48.5% from the field and 34.8% from the three-point range in 41 regular season games.

Despite playing a career-low 13.9 minutes per game, Griffin was an essential part of the team that made the Eastern Conference Finals.

Superstar Jayson Tatum spoke highly of Griffin during the season (the full clip can be watched here).

Tatum on Griffin: "I give Blake a lot of credit. A guy was that a superstar in this league, multiple All-Stars, All-NBA, was really at the top. Whether it's through injuries or whatever, has really taken on a different role, and it's been really unique to see. Just his attitude every day: doesn't play for two weeks and certain guys out, he might play four, five games in a row, takes the first bus, on off-days, he plays pick up with the guys that maybe don't play to keep their cardio up. You just don't see that with guys that was at his level."

Jayson Tatum on Blake Griffin: "He never makes it about himself and it's contagious... we're all very fortunate to have him has a teammate" pic.twitter.com/SkLfh1WqKz
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) March 12, 2023

This summer, Griffin became a free agent, and he still remains available on opening night of the 2023-24 NBA season.

On October 17, a fan asked Keith Smith of Spotrac about Griffin's situation.

Via @ferocious99: "Keith, what’s your best guess as to why the team hasn’t/won’t sign Blake Griffin? He was awesome in his role for us last year. And the vibes were emmaculate. Hopefully for his sake he just wants a break or what’s to retire."

Via Smith: "I think that's more of a Blake Griffin thing than a Celtics thing. It's unclear if he wants to play, or if he wants to play, but not on the East Coast. I'm not sure what the story is there."

I think that's more of a Blake Griffin thing than a Celtics thing. It's unclear if he wants to play, or if he wants to play, but not on the East Coast. I'm not sure what the story is there.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 17, 2023