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Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin has already gotten used to his new home, despite playing in Little Caesars Arena for only half a season. His appreciation for the local fans has also grown immensely, enough to take a veiled shot at his former team's fan base after playing for the LA Clippers for eight-plus seasons.
“When I got traded here, after talking with Stan and then talking with Tom Gores I quickly realized how invested everybody is in this team,” Griffin told the Jamie and Stoney Show on 97.1 The Ticket. “And the fans from day one, this is a true sports town. They really embrace sports, and that’s not something I’ve been used to for the past nine years. It’s really nice to be in a place where fans are knowledgeable and they really are diehard fans.”
“The fans have been unbelievable, very, very supportive. I think there has been somewhat of a disconnect the past couple years, but I think one of the things we talk about is getting back and playing with the right spirit again,” added Griffin. “I think this town really embraces hard-working teams, and you can see that through the teams that have had success here. I remember (Billups) just telling stories about those days and how much the fans got behind them.”
Clippers fans won't take this lightly once the two teams first meet on Jan. 12 at the Staples Center, the first of their two meetings throughout a span of three weeks, as the Pistons host them on Feb. 2.
It wasn't long ago that Clippers fans pummeled the front office for signing him to a five-year, $173 million deal in the offseason, only to trade them as soon as he became eligible — but it seems this latest comparison is one that will leave a sour taste for Los Angelenos who rooted for Griffin for the better part of the last decade.
