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Detroit Pistons: 2017-18 player grades for Blake Griffin

By Gavriel Wilkins

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)
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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images /

Final grade

In his first 25 games with the Detroit Pistons, Blake Griffin managed to go through a fair share of highs and lows.

The eighth-year veteran, who helped guide Detroit on a five-game winning streak immediately following his arrival, struggled to fully incorporate himself within the offense through his first 13 games in 2018, averaging just 17.8 points and 5.8 assists per game on 39.3 percent shooting from the field.

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Meanwhile, his teammates sought to get familiar playing alongside a star of his caliber, until No. 23 was called upon to create scoring opportunities within one-on-one sets by Stan Van Gundy.

Given the ball to operate on the high post, a place where the Pistons averaged an astounding 105 points per possession according to Synergy Sports, Griffin proved to be arguably his most effective as a playmaker late in the year. Unfortunately, then he was shut down for the final eight games with a bone bruise in his right ankle.

Now, Griffin will look to get ready for what lies ahead this summer, as he prepares for his first full season in Detroit under head coach Dwane Casey — who will likely seek to use him in the same way next year.

"“We’re going to empower Griffin to expand his game,” the 2018 NBA Coach of the Year said on ESPN Radio‘s Stephen A. Smith Show earlier this month. “A lot like DeMar DeRozan in Toronto. Expand his game out to the 3-point line, have some point-forward responsibilities with the basketball out on the floor bringing it down. “He’s more than just a back-down, post-up player.”"

Although most Pistons fans will speculate over how Griffin and Drummond will mesh together in a high-low game, the former must find a way to carry his late-season momentum into training camp this coming September, as Detroit will need the most out of him in order to even try and make a run to the playoffs next season.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

Grade: B

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