The Portland Trail Blazers should sign Blake Griffin if he gets bought out

The Portland Trail Blazers still lack some size and shot creation at the big men spots. With injuries to Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, and now Harry Giles, they need size and creation at the big spot.

In Detroit Pistons big man Blake Griffin, there could be an option to get another back up big. The six-foot-nine Griffin is now sitting out Pistons games indefinitely as they look to move him in a trade, or in a buyout.

Griffin is a 31-year-old power forward, who although he is a shadow of his former self, could still help a playoff team in the right situation.

Drafted by the LA Clippers back in 2009, Griffin was brought into the league as one of the most exciting college basketball prospects. Though he missed all of his rookie year with an injury,  when he at last, made his debut, he had a dominant season. He was rookie of the year and an All-Star in his first season, averaging an impressive 22 and 12 rebounds to go with 3.8 assists.

Griffin, along with DeAndre Jordan, was one of the original Clipper members of Lob City. Named because of their crazy dunks and above the rim play. When the Clippers traded for Chris Paul, and added Jamal Crawford and JJ Redick, they had one of the most exciting teams in the league.

Griffin was the second-best player behind Paul, on a team that was unlucky not to win an NBA title. In eight seasons with the Clippers, Griffin averaged 21.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

Injuries became more of an issue as Griffin’s career wore on, so the Clippers traded him to the Pistons while he still had substantial value. Griffin had a great 2019 with the Pistons, before injuries and a rebuilding Pistons team meant that Griffin has had a rough last 12 months.

Though Griffin still has this year and next on a max contract, he isn’t a max player anymore. This is probably why he will be looking for a buyout from the $70 odd million he is still owed.

The Portland Trail Blazers should sign Blake Griffin if he gets bought out

The Blazers should try and sign Griffin if he can secure a buyout. Though he has had injury issues, Blake will likely be available on the minimum, where he can fit into the small amount of cap room that they have.

Griffin could play small ball five alongside defensive players Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. Because of his passing, and shooting improvements over the last few years of his career, Griffin can be a backup big who can play in certain lineups. With the Blazers’ conservative drop coverage scheme on defense, his lack of speed won’t be a problem.

Griffin is an excellent passer, so he could play a similar role to Nurkic on offense. With the lack of size in the backcourt, the Blazers could also use his rebounding.

This could be better than a trade as well – as the Blazers wouldn’t have to give up any of their precious assets.

If Griffin secures a buyout, then the Blazers should try and pursue him.