Detroit Pistons All-Star forward Blake Griffin will make his season debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, but he understands that it will take him some time to get back into game shape.
Griffin told Rob Beard of The Detroit News that he is unsure whether or not he will face a minutes restriction, but also that the coaching staff hopes to ease him into the flow of the offense:
#Pistons Blake Griffin on ramping up after his return Monday: "I’m going to be forced to be eased into it, so I will ease into it. I don’t really know what to expect; I’m going into it with an open mind. I don’t know that I’ve ever been on this type of restriction before."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) November 10, 2019
#Pistons Blake Griffin on expected minutes: "I’m not really sure. I leave that in our training staff’s hands. Before the game, I’ll know and I’ll put that in my mind and I’ll do what I can in those minutes."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) November 10, 2019
The former No. 1 overall pick has yet to play this season due to a hamstring issues. He was held out at the end of preseason in order to undergo treatment on the hamstring, but has since been cleared to play.
Griffin is in the midst of a career renaissance in Detroit. The Pistons acquired him in January of 2018, and after a short stint to conclude the 2017-18 season, Griffin had one of the best seasons of his career last year.
The 30-year-old played in 75 games (his most since 2014) averaging a career-high 24.5 points to go along with 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Griffin was the preeminent playmaker for the Pistons, getting out in transition and shooting over 36 percent from beyond the arc on seven attempts per game.
Detroit is 4-6 on the year, but there are encouraging signs to coincide with Griffin's return. Andre Drummond has been utterly dominant on both sides of the ball, and he and Blake Griffin were one of the best duos in the NBA last season in terms of net rating.
Similarly, Luke Kennard has taken the next step in his progression, and both Tony Snell and Langston Galloway are shooting the ball well from deep.
Blake Griffin gives the Pistons that extra firepower, but do not expect anything too explosive from the jump.
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