BREAKING: Blake Griffin joins Boston Celtics on 1-year deal after troublesome stint at Brooklyn Nets comes to an end
The Boston Celtics are adding frontcourt depth by acquiring former Brooklyn Nets power forward Blake Griffin. With Robert Williams III still recovering from knee surgery, Boston’s thin frontline got a boost with the signing.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news regarding the former slam dunk champion's move to Beantown:
“Free agent Blake Griffin has agreed to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN.”
Free agent Blake Griffin has agreed to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN.
Griffin played for a season-and-a-half with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2 assists. He was the Nets’ starting center when he first arrived in Brooklyn. He slowly lost his spot to LaMarcus Aldridge and eventually to Nic Claxton.
Last season, Griffin was even dropped from the rotation until he was suddenly brought back by coach Steve Nash out of desperation. The Boston Celtics, Griffin’s new team, were pulverizing the Nets in Game 3 when Nash did the unexpected.
The seldom-used Griffin came alive and gave the Brooklyn Nets a spark. He scored eight points in as many minutes and played solid defense on Jaylen Brown.
Blake Griffin will head to Boston to join the Celtics for the upcoming season.
The 33-year-old played 82 games in Brooklyn over the last 2 seasons, averaging 7.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 2.0 APG.
@celtics | #NBA https://t.co/secOKOH5pe
Following his unexpectedly solid performance in Game 3, Nash called on Griffin again in Game 4. The veteran, however, couldn’t replicate the same performance and finished with 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal in 18 minutes.
The Boston Celtics must have seen something during those games that played a factor in signing him.
Fans react to the Boston Celtics' move to sign free agent Blake Griffin
Basketball fans who watched the Boston Celtics sweep the Brooklyn Nets last season probably saw Blake Griffin’s impact. With the news that he’s now playing for the Celtics, most fans saw nothing significant in this move.
“He’s washed.”
@wojespn He’s washed
@wojespn Washed
@notorioustei @wojespn He sucks its fine.
With training camp underway, it remains to be seen if Griffin will see action once the season starts.
Watch this space for more as the story continues to develop.