New Orleans Pelicans: What would Blake Griffin add to the Pels?

Blake Griffin is available for trade from the Detroit Pistons. What would the all-star forward bring to the New Orleans Pelicans?

Blake Griffin’s stint for the Detroit Pistons is over, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, as the all-star future looks primed for a trade or a buyout.

Griffin became the Pistons’ franchise player after a surprising departure from the Los Angeles Clippers, where he made a name for himself as one of the NBA’s premier athletes, top players, and dunker extraordinaire. Upon arriving in Detroit, he was once again selected as an all-star in his first full season with the Pistons.

The once explosive Griffin who jumped over cars to win dunk contests was gradually replaced by a more deliberate version of the Oklahoma forward after recurring injuries. Griffin has become more of a playmaker and perimeter shooter after greatly improving his outside shot. Griffin shot below 30 percent from three for the Clippers, but shot 36 percent in his best season with the Pistons.

This year, he is off to a rougher start. Griffin only played 18 games in the 2019-20 season because of a knee injury—his second significant one over a period of two seasons. Griffin underwent knee surgery after the 2018-19 playoffs, as well. He is currently shooting averaging the lowest points average of his career, shooting a dismal 37 percent from the field and 32 percent from three.

But even though Griffin is a relative shell of his former self, that does not mean he is a terrible player. The reinvention of Griffin’s game has prolonged his career considerably, especially taking his knees into account, although finding a good fit for his game has become more difficult.

If the Pelicans decided to pursue Griffin, it would be a big statement—at least within the organization—in New Orleans’ pursuit of the playoffs. It would also likely mean a reshuffling of the Pelicans’ offense and squad rotation.