NBA Report: Blake Griffin's recent Knee Injury was 'red flag' for Steve Ballmer
What's the story?
Blake Griffin’s knee injury reportedly might have played a role in Steve Ballmer’s decision to part ways with LA Clippers' big man.
In case you didn't know...
The Clippers traded Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons and acquired guard Avery Bradley, forward Tobias Harris, center Boban Marjanovic, a future first-round pick with several protections on it and a 2019 second-round draft pick in exchange.
The heart of the matter...
Blake Griffin was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers as the no.1 overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft. During his tenure with the Clippers, he rose to second on the team’s all-time scoring list and was known for his high-flying dunks and presence as a dominant scorer in the front-court.
David Aldridge of NBA.com wrote he “was the highlight-reel upon which the Clippers, long the far-behind second team in Los Angeles behind the Lakers, became relevant and a sustained winner.”
Despite Ballmer being a "huge fan" of the forward, he saw Griffin’s health as a “red flag” after he missed a month earlier this season with a sprained left MCL. Aldridge further noted that even after returning from the injury, the Clippers “became convinced that they not only weren’t a real contender this season but wouldn’t be next season as well with the current roster.”
Griffin took to Twitter to thank his fans for their support during his tenure and discussed how proud he was to be part of the organization:
Getting rid of Griffin’s salary will help the Clippers “with as much as $40 million in cap space possibly available” in the 2019 off-season, Aldridge also added in his piece for NBA.com.
What's next?
While the Clippers are focused on the future, the Detroit Pistons are only 2.5 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the eighth and final Playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Author's take
Griffin’s regular injuries had been hampering Clippers' Playoff success in the past few years. It was wise of Ballmer to trade him and get rid of his contract to create salary cap that allows them to sign someone big while adding good young talent and draft picks to their roster to secure their future.