Detroit Pistons: 2017-18 player grades for Blake Griffin

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons enters the arena before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images /

Strengths

Despite coming into the league known primarily for his athletic prowess, Blake Griffin has found a way to evolve his game over the years by becoming the ultimate triple threat, which the Pistons can now seek to run their entire offense through.

The 6’10”, 251-pound force possesses the ability to face up against the basket, rebound and knock down mid-range jump shots. In addition to a masterful finesse game on the low block, Griffin is a player who will often search to create contact inside. He runs the floor and uses his speed to showcase his underrated ball-handling and passing skills against opposing defenses.

It’s a special kind of deftness that the former Oklahoma star incorporates to either take advantage of slower frontcourt players and score, or set up his teammates for opportunities either in or out of the post against double-teams. The 2011 Rookie of the Year managed to get good results in Detroit despite playing in an offense in which very few shooters were present on the floor.

"“Blake is a hell of a player,” Pistons big man Andre Drummond told ESPN ‘s Nick Friedell in late January. “I’m looking forward to building this new empire with him.”"

In his final 12 games of the 2017-18 season, Griffin averaged 22 points and dished out 6.7 assists per game for the Pistons, while also shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 44.1 percent from 3-point range. The ninth-year veteran owns an array of skills that makes him one of the most dynamic point forwards in the game when healthy.

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