Blake Griffin admitted that he was surprised upon learning he was out of the Brooklyn Nets rotation. He came over from the Detroit Pistons via buyout market in 2021. The six-time All-Star was an important part of why the Nets were clicking defensively once the playoffs rolled around. Much was made of how few slam dunks he had with the Pistons but he didn't waste much time reminding fans he still had some lift in those Kia-leaping legs.

Nets Rotation: How Blake Griffin Can Get Back In

3) Injuries, load management, possible trades

The Nets have had some challenges this season. Of course Kyrie Irving has been out all year and continues to be unavailable. But Joe Harris recently had ankle surgery and will be focusing on rehab for at least another few weeks it seems. That's put some extra strain on the team's top stars.

Kevin Durant has been playing a ton, he's third in the league in minutes with 36.2 per game. Durant and 36 year 0ld-LaMarcus Adridge were given a rest game in the second of a back-to-back versus the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. The team needed bodies in the worst way so coach Steve Nash turned to the Oklahoma product for the first time since November 22nd.

Griffin gave the team 13 minutes, going 3 of 4 from the field for 7 points ad 3 rebounds in a 114-104 loss. It wasn't enough to help them secure a comeback win (they rallied from down 17, cutting it to 4 before faltering) but Griffin did show his coach he is humble enough to stay ready.

They can't bubble wrap everyone so there's going to be more injuries and more load management in the future. That could provide the type of opportunity the former first overall pick needs to begin earning back regular minutes.

We're also approaching trade season, and if one or two players are sent packing, it could reopen a spot for Griffin as well.

2) Continue to maintain the right spirit

Griffin has seemed to handle his benching well. He'll need to continue that positive demeanor.

After the game in Houston, Nash was asked about inserting his high-profile role player into the lineup.

“Blake was great,” praised Nash. “It's tough, tough position when you don't play, but he's continued to have a great attitude. Work in practice, stay ready group, shooting, all the conditioning stuff he's done to stay ready. And I thought today he looked like he didn't miss a beat, physically looked great, so I was proud….”

Clearly, Griffin is staying ready and his coach seemed to appreciate that hunger.

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1) Make wide open 3s

This final point is of course the essence of the entire matter. Last season, Blake Griffin shot over 38 percent from downtown, spacing the floor for the team's stars.

This season he's shot just 16 percent from 3. It's hard to tell if there's something in his mechanics that isn't working or if it's just a random cold-spell. But if BG can relocate his touch, coach Nash won't be able to keep him off of the floor. LaMarcus Aldridge has shot lights out this season. Having another big who can stretch the floor would be huge. All teams want a stretch-big, and Griffin was one a season ago. We'll see if he can get his stroke back.

If he's connecting from distance, then the other things he provides like sharp passing, and taking charges, all become gravy. It will be intriguing to see if he can earn his way back into the Nets rotation.