Even with the Jaylen Brown extension signed, there are still a few moves to be made for the Boston Celtics before the new campaign begins. Including Payton Pritchard’s future, there will not be many significant changes to the rotation. With a roster spot open, Brad Stevens still has a decision to make. Outside of just the one spot, Luke Kornet, and Justin Champagnie are not guaranteed any money in 2023/2024 while newly signed Dalano Banton is on a partially guaranteed contract. That could lead to even more roster movement before the campaign begins.
Among the contenders to take up one of those spots is the former All-Star, and 2022-2023 Celtic Blake Griffin has been rumored to be on the list. No. 91 in green and white last season played his part on the team extraordinarily well. Whether it was providing advice to the people around him or constantly being ready when he was needed off the bench, Griffin was incredibly unselfish for a player who used to be one of the faces of the league.
According to Mass Live’s Brian Robb, it has been quiet on the Griffin news, leaving many to believe his future is going to be somewhere else. “Quiet” does not have to signal his departure. With three high-quality big men and Luke Kornet as an option off the bench, it does not make sense to round out the roster with a player that may not be ready to sacrifice playing time. His experience in the role on the bench, in addition to his persona on and off the court, makes Griffin a perfect player to fill out the roster.
Bringing back Blake Griffin would be a massive energy boost for Boston Celtics fans
It did not take long for No. 91 to become a fan favorite with the Boston Celtics faithful. There is no question he will not play much given the depth in the frontcourt this season and his lack of defensive versatility, but that positive personality is difficult to replace. Due to the loss of Marcus Smart and Grant Williams, there may be a need for another vocal veteran leader in the locker room. There is no adjustment period. Griffin played in this city last season. There is no question his attitude fits like a glove in green and with the core of this team.
Before last season, Griffin explained his goals once the news of his signing was official:
"“I’ll play as hard as I possibly can and bring whatever I can to the team in the minutes I’m given.”"
What more could a team want?
Griffin is a likable person that shot over 40% from beyond the arc during the last campaign before the All-Star break. Sure, there are better options, especially when it comes to impact on the floor, but is that really the goal when filling out the roster?
The rotation is pretty much locked down at this point. Questions surrounded Pritchard, and the wings on the bench, but it seems to be a competition between Jordan Walsh, and newly acquired Oshae Brissett. Other than that, the contributors that will step between the white lines in green and white are quite evident.
For his mentorship and positivity, Griffin just makes sense for a team aiming to get back to the NBA Finals.