Goal 3. Embrace a Role as a Playmaker

Over the course of his career, Blake Griffin has added elements to his game. When he first entered the league he wasn’t a reliable jump shooter. Now, the mid-range jumper is one of the best weapons in his arsenal. Griffin still shows flashes of the once-in-a-lifetime athleticism he possessed as a younger player, but injuries have forced him to adapt and evolve.

One of the more surprising attributes Griffin has developed is his passing. He’s managed to increase his output as a passer over the course of his career, going from around 3 assists per game to around 6. In the limited time he spent with the Pistons last year, he seemed to embrace this role, averaging 6.2 assists per game.

Griffin’s court vision, combined with his size and athleticism, makes him a very dangerous offensive player. He’s strong enough to establish a proper position in the post with larger players, athletic enough to maneuver past fast guards and intelligent enough as a player to make the smart play.

Taking something of a Ben Simmons role would likely be positive for Griffin, a strong finisher with the ability to find open teammates. The Pistons don’t have a traditional pass-first point guard on their roster, between Reggie Jackson and Ish Smith. Both players are combo guards who look to score, meaning that Griffin could fill the role of an offensive catalyst.

Next Up: Goal 2