More than a bench asset: Blake Griffin a vital piece to Boston Celtics growth
With how deep this Boston Celtics team is this season, there is not much room for a player like Blake Griffin to contribute in the way he may like between the white lines. The former No. 1 overall pick out of the University of Oklahoma was once one of the faces of the NBA. The former National College Player of the Year is now playing in just 12.5 minutes per game, his fewest in his 13-year NBA career. From dunking over cars to putting himself in as many highlight reels as possible, Griffin was an athletic freak of nature in Los Angeles, but with the help of many injuries, the former Rookie of the Year has moved into a completely different phase of his career.
With all the experiences that Griffin has had in the NBA, he has used his knowledge to become a constant spark of positivity among a group of young players that may have needed a locker-room presence like Griffin to finish that job last season. Before the Mazzulla era began, there were plenty of Boston Celtics concerns with the injuries of Robert Williams III and Danilo Gallinari on top of the drama that was Ime Udoka and his suspension.
Following the commanding win over the Hornets, Joe Mazzulla spoke on what Griffin provides to this team, stating:
"“Perspective…Constantly in our young guys’ ear. Just giving guys his experience, how his career has gone and where he was successful. Just a sense of humor and overall a great guy. And so, guys flock to him and he’s thankful for that.”"
Blake Griffin is a surprise spark-plug for the Boston Celtics
Nobody would have thought that the acquisition of Blake Griffin coming off of many seasons of regression with the Pistons, and Brooklyn Nets would be one of great significance. His smile, constant encouragement, and willingness to accept this role on the Boston Celtics bench has been a key reason for this team’s consistency. For him, it is not about who contributes the most to the task at hand, it is the result when the buzzer sounds that means more than anything else.
The once face of the “Slam-Dunk Contest” has taken a backseat, using his knowledge from his years of ups and downs in the league to advise players who have no idea what it is like at other organizations around the NBA. There were plenty of other teams that an NBA veteran with a little left in the tank as a role player could have gone to, but the former Oklahoma Sooner saw an opportunity in Boston to assist in the continuous growth of a team seeking that coveted 18th title. Griffin, along with Malcolm Brogdon, have come into a squad that has spent the majority of their careers donning Boston Celtics green, and for the club to now have the perspectives of the obstacles around the league makes the entire team appreciate what they have in front of them this season.
Griffin spoke on a situation where he supported his bench players in a role they were not used to playing, stating:
"“(Pritchard) and Luke got thrown into the game in the third quarter against Sacramento, and they changed the game…Those things matter, those things matter to coaching staffs and fans see that. People appreciate that and this fan base appreciates guys that play hard. So really, before every game, I talk to everybody and always tell them something. My message to Payton is stay locked in and do what you do.”"
Being able to tell each individual something before each game goes a long way. Some of the things may go unnoticed at times, but in reality, the success on the floor can be connected in such a way as the leadership of Griffin. For him to be able to demonstrate his heart, and hustle on the floor while showing flashes of his old self is a reward for what this player has done to this organization that was in sheer turmoil just a few months ago.
His contributions on the court are few and far between, but when he receives the chance, Griffin makes the most of the occasions. It is not just the highlight reel dunk that he slammed home against Charlotte, but it is clear when he is on the court, his communication defensively, and physicality give Mazzulla the confidence to use him when assets like Al Horford are taking a game or two to rest. Along with essentially the entire Boston Celtics roster, Griffin has the talent to knock down a shot from beyond the arc. He is shooting 40 percent from the 3-point line this season, forcing the opposition to respect his jump shot.
By no means is Griffin going to get any sort of significant minutes in the postseason during the moments where it matters, but that is not why Boston took a chance on him. Leaders are not always the best player on the roster, and with the selfless personality that Griffin possesses, he is without question one of the Celtics’ key leaders off the court.
Whether it is giving his teammates a few tips on the bench during a timeout or joking with Kornet in the locker room, Griffin is just one example of the importance of unselfishness to a team that seems to have a limitless ceiling. Without Griffin playing the role of a teacher, and mentor, who knows if many of the players on the bench would have had the confidence to step in in the way they have.