How Blake Griffin’s leadership has proven key to the Celtics’ success
By Rob Greene
The other way Blake Griffin helps the Boston Celtics.
Not only was depth a main priority for the Celtics this past offseason following June’s Finals loss to the Warriors, but as mentioned before, more experienced veterans, or “OGs,” were expected to produce more leadership. That is the part Griffin has excelled the most at.
Grant Williams, for example, has always provided more than enough mentorship to the team’s young, second-unit sparks, as well as a friend from the past in Payton Pritchard. Griffin advised Pritchard on school committing to Oklahoma before the guard de-committed to Oregon.
"“I was a little worried about my recruiting tactics, but he’s a great dude,” Griffin chuckled. “It’s always fun when something like that happens. Playing with him now, he’s a great dude, works incredibly hard and is always ready, so, it’s always good to see him get in there.”"
Blake spoke about the advice and wisdom he has given to a lot of the guys in the Celtics’ locker room.
"“Things can change in the blink of an eye in the NBA. You can get thrown into a game, him and Luke (Kornet) got thrown into the game in the third quarter against Sacramento and they changed the game,” added Griffin. “Those things matter. Those things matter to coaching staffs, fans see that, people appreciate that, this fanbase appreciates guys who play hard.”"
Griffin understands the value and foundation he lays within the organization.
“Really before every game I talk to everybody, I always tell them something,” he said. “My message to Payton is stay locked in and do what you do.”