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Boston Celtics: Blake Griffin brings critical skillsets to title contender

By Alan Nahigian

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 4: Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets laugh during a pregame shoot around before their game against the Utah Jazz February 4, 2022 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 4: Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets laugh during a pregame shoot around before their game against the Utah Jazz February 4, 2022 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics open up the preseason tomorrow and there’s a lot going on. Obviously, we all know the situation still going with Ime Udoka. Then there’s the injuries that are compiling for the Celtics, regarding their big men.

Robert Williams III is going to be out for a couple of months and Luke Kornet is out for 1-2 weeks with a sprained ankle. This led Brad Stevens to go out and sign six time All-star Blake Griffin.

Obviously, we’re not getting the high-flying, dunking everything Griffin we saw in LA and Detroit. But Griffin, who most recently played for the Brooklyn Nets, brings critical skillsets to the Boston Celtics.

The Boston Celtics get a skilled passer in Blake Griffin

This doesn’t get enough credit. Passing is a skill that services well in the NBA. With the way the Boston Celtics play, passing is essential to creating good opportunities on offense and in transition.

In his 12 year career, Griffin averages just over four assists per game. Now, he’s not a point guard that can average in the double digits for assist totals, like a Malcolm Brogdon type player. But, Griffin is still a skilled enough passer to help keep the ball moving in the Celtics offense. Good sign if you’re a Celtics fan and like the way they play offense!

The Boston Celtics get a veteran big man in Blake Griffin

One of the big reasons why I love this Blake Griffin signing is because he’s a veteran big man.

The Celtics do have a veteran big man in Al Horford already. But Horford is entering his age 37 season and will need some breaks during the regular season. This is where Blake Griffin comes into play.

Now you can have Horford, Grant Williams, Griffin, and Luke Kornet in your front court.

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Now imagine the leadership Griffin can bring as a veteran big man in the NBA. He’s been on good playoff teams with the Clippers, rebuilding teams with the Pistons, and a championship team on paper with the Nets. The former Oklahoma Sooner and six time All-star is looking for his first NBA championship. His leadership with this young Celtics team can be a great thing, as the Celtics head into the 2022-2023 season as the top Eastern Conference contender.

The bottom line with Blake Griffin now with the Boston Celtics

We know that Blake Griffin isn’t what he once was, an above the rim type of player. But, Blake Griffin still brings a good skillset to this Celtics team.

Like we mentioned before, his passing and leadership abilities will prove to be helpful for the Boston Celtics this upcoming season. Not to mention that he’s become a serviceable outside shooter.

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This isn’t a signing that’s going to shock you like the Malcolm Brogdon trade did earlier this off-season. But Griffin will be a guy that gives you 10-15 minutes a night and can do a little bit of everything. So welcome to Boston, Blake Griffin!

Hopefully, he’s one of the missing pieces added to lead to the final hurdle being cleared: winning the NBA title.

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