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) /

3 of 5

Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images /

Weaknesses

In spite of being regarded as one of the premier offensive players in basketball, Griffin has yet to fully escape the overall criticism of his play on the defensive end.

During the 2017-18 regular season, Griffin proved to be worse statistically on the less glamorous side of the floor compared to his previous campaign, falling out of the top-five among all power forwards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus.

He also showed an inability to effectively hold his own defensively on the perimeter at times, as opposing stretch-4s took advantage of Griffin’s struggles to close out against 3-point shooters consistently.

Although Griffin appeared to be fine when asked not to trap against ball-handlers away from the painted area of the floor, Detroit must do whatever it takes to try and call upon their superstar to fully commit himself to improving on defense, as his play there — combined with the official status of his health — could be one of the biggest factors in whether or not the Pistons make it back to the postseason under new head coach Dwane Casey.

Should he do that, and continue to work on fully asserting himself into the offense, then Griffin could put together a career year in 2019.

Home/Detroit Pistons