Following a contract buyout with the Detroit Pistons, Blake Griffin became a coveted free agent. He was courted by multiple teams.
So why did he choose the Brooklyn Nets? You know, other than Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving?
“They have a need for a four-man (or power forward),” Griffin said during a chat with fans on Bleacher Report. “I’ve always had a lot of respect for Steve Nash and all of the guys that they have. (General manager) Sean Marks has done great job there. It was a tough decision and I wanted to be on a team that was contending.”
Griffin was believed to also have had an opportunity to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and Boston Celtics, among others. While he’s not the high-flying, powerful dunker of his early years, he can still be a force near the basket.
At the very least, he is a guy who’s won and can help in terms of adding veteran know-how in the biggest games.
“My only goal is to help win a championship,” he said. “Some years it’s more realistic than others. But that’s why I came to Brooklyn.”
Griffin, 31, is likely to play a reserve role with the Nets — at least at the start. He managed 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds with the Pistons this season.
He also knows his critics keep pointing out his flaws and how his game has been forced to change because of a recent spate of injuries in recent seasons. But he just tries to shut out that noise.
“As I’ve gotten older, it’s become easier. I can see something and if it’s valid, it’s valid,” he said. “I had to be critical of myself too, I can’t just think I’m the best player ever. People will say something outlandish a lot, and I can discern between the two. The ones that I don’t believe in, don’t bother me. The ones that I do, I’m already working on.”
