The Detroit Pistons are in a tough spot in the final stretch of the season, sitting six games out of playoff contention despite trading for star forward Blake Griffin prior to this year's trade deadline.
Griffin is in line to miss his first postseason in the last seven years, but the hope is grand for the 29-year-old who has now found a home in the Motor City, after dealing with the transition of parting ways with the team that offered him a five year, $173 million deal this past summer.
“If I wasn’t happy with where I was at or excited to be here, it would take a little bit longer,” Griffin told Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. “But as soon as I got here to Detroit, the franchise, the way they go about taking care of the players, the way they do everything, is first-class. So, that makes the transition much easier. [Coach] Stan [Van Gundy] and the whole staff has been awesome. I’m not looking back.”
The Oklahoma City native isn't looking back to what it could have been, but rather staying in the present and making the most of his opportunity with a team that gave away a great deal of assets to acquire him.
“I haven’t put much thought into it, to be honest,” said Griffin. “I’ve been so focused on making this transition and [adjusting] to this change that I haven’t put that much thought into it. I never want to be in a place where I’m not wanted. Coming here made me realize what a franchise looks like.”
The Pistons have gone 9-13 since acquiring the 6-foot-10 forward, but there's plenty of hope from both sides with an impending offseason that should bring more stability and a system for Griffin to flourish starting next season.
Follow Us
Subscribe