Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin and 5 other surprising players so far

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 18: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons reacts against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on January 18, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Detroit Pistons, Blake Griffin (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Surprise No. 1 for the Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin

So Blake Griffin has been objectively bad this season. While it was expected by many that Griffin was no longer the player he was when he was named third team All-NBA in 2018-2019 this level of drop off is still dramatic.

There were reports in the offseason that Griffin was looking to be in great shape and was showing in practice that he would be able to be a regular contributor in the rotation. The only thing regular about his contribution to the court so far are his minutes.

Griffin is second on the team in minutes (33.0 per game), to the chagrin of the loudest parts of Pistons Twitter. He is seemingly blocking the path to extra minutes for second year prospect Sekou Doumbouya and rookie Saddiq Bey. In the midst of a rebuild that is not what they want.

Beyond the complaints of minutes, Blake Griffin just looks immobile. He has not truly recovered from the injuries that ended his All-NBA campaign nearly two years ago. At this point he basically plays from 3-point line to 3-point line, with 59.6 percent of his shot coming from behind the arc. That would be almost tolerable if he was shooting well but he is an unfortunately low 32.0 percent.

Griffin is a veteran star transitioning into a complimentary role; or at least he would be if he was able to be moved to a contender. At his price tag that is not happening. Instead he is forced into the role of franchise face for a franchise transitioning to a new era. For anyone who loved what Griffin did two seasons ago it is painful to watch.

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