Celtics Players Begging for Reunion With Former Teammate
By Ryan Bunton
As the Boston Celtics rev up for another playoff run, a pair of Celtics players have a certain big man in mind that they would like to bring in as a reinforcement for their title pursuit.
Appearing Monday on Pardon My Take, both Payton Pritchard and Derrick White shared that they and other members of the Celtics have been "begging" one-time Celtic Blake Griffin to return to the team. Griffin, who will turn 35 on March 16, spent last season in Boston.
In his lone season with Boston, the former first overall pick suited up for 41 contests in 2022-23. He averaged 4.1 points per game and 3.8 rebounds across 13.9 minutes per appearances. He has been in quasi-retirement and not played a minute of competitive basketball since the Game 5 of the 2023 Eastern Conference First Round with Boston.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla also addressed the rumors, relaying that he has not been in contact with the six-time All-Star since Griffin told him at the end of last year that he wished to spend more time with his family.
Joe Mazzulla was asked about his players recruiting Blake Griffin to come back: “When he told me at the end of last year that his family was the most important thing, I stopped talking to him about it because I know what it’s like to be away from your kids and away from your…
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) February 26, 2024
Pritchard and White's comments triggered an impromptu FaceTime call from host Dan Katz to Griffin, who didn't sound over eager to return to the NBA this season. Griffin admitted that although he and his former C's teammates "talk quite a bit", he is " just enjoying [his] life right now guys."
Even if Griffin doesn't step on the parquet floor again, he still had fond memories of his time in Beantown:
"Boston is unbelievable. Living in Boston, playing in Boston was, like, one of the best experiences. Dude, the fans are incredible. Having a team that is so championship-focused. One of the best parts is the players on that team are just like such a great group of guys.”"
- Blake Griffin
Griffin's addition to the Celtics wouldn't significantly move the needle talent-wise (especially since he would have to shake off a year of rust), but he is a 13-year NBA vet and veteran presence is always valuable on any team chasing a title.
Technically, Boston does have a roster spot open, but the trade deadline acquisition of center/power forward Xavier Tillman could very well signal that the Celtics will enter the postseason with their currently constructed roster.
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