The Boston Celtics are not ready to close the door on a reunion with veteran forward Blake Griffin.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Celtics "have interest" in re-signing the 14-year pro. Griffin, 34, signed with Boston in early October of last season, appearing in 41 regular-season games for the C's.
Should the Celtics re-sign Blake Griffin? pic.twitter.com/QUu4XlULS5
— CelticsMuse (@CelticsMuse) August 5, 2023
His 2022-23 showing proved to be the least productive campaign of his career, posting career-low averages in minutes (13.9), points (4.1), rebounds (3.8) and assists (1.5). His usage dipped even further in the postseason as he appeared in just one playoff game, logging a total of just six minutes.
With his lack of playing time, it's highly plausible the six-time All-Star seeks employment elsewhere before entertaining a return to Beantown. Although, at this point in Griffin's career, it could prove difficult to find regular minutes for a contending team.
As for Boston's current makeup in the frontcourt, they did part with versatile forward Grant Williams in a sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks this offseason. However, the majority of Williams' minutes—and more—should be consumed by Kristaps Porziņģis, who the Celtics acquired from the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal in late June.
“…He’s about the team, his teammates and the banner. He chose us. There were other people, I hear, that wanted him. And he chose us. He wants to be here and he wants to win a ring.”
— HOOPS EMPIRE (@HoopsEmpire_) August 7, 2023
- Wyc Grousbeck on Kristaps Porzingis.
Via @AdamHimmelsbach
KP Committed to Winning. pic.twitter.com/wpwY9KIYxw
Beyond Porziņģis, the highly reliable Al Horford and the ever-promising Robert Williams are expected to remain key fixtures in the frontcourt.
Horford, 37, knocked down 44.6% of his 325 attempts from three last season—each of which marked new career highs (minimum of seven 3PA). In comparison, Williams' 2022-23 campaign was far less prolific, as injuries limited him to just 35 games. Still, he's just one season removed from earning All-Defensive Second Team honors and finishing seventh in NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting.
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