Why should the Miami Heat pursue Blake Griffin now?
Despite the various injuries in his career, an underrated aspect of Griffin’s game is his adaptability. That challenge began when he was selected first overall in 2009 and would miss his entire rookie year due to a broken kneecap.
However, it cannot be understated that when he’s healthy, Griffin is a difference maker and can shift the momentum of games with thunderous dunks and flashy assists. Miami has shown a willingness to force turnovers to create transition opportunities and the product of Griffin in South Beach would draw excitement to some degree.
Truthfully, Griffin is no longer that nightly 25 point and 10 rebound threat in which viewers grew accustomed to over the last decade. However, his second-round performance for the Nets — all while playing in a much different role on a new team — further expresses that given the appropriate situation, Griffin can improve a teams’ chances to win.
He was a prominent reason as to why Lob City had substantial success for many years out west and more recently, a reason why the Pistons made the 2019 playoffs. The Heat, who could use another player with postseason experience and all while solving their front-court issues, should make a Griffin signing likely.
From a basketball perspective, many consider that a potential Heat-Griffin fit isn’t the most ideal in comparison to other free-agents, given Miami’s spacing issues as of late. Nevertheless, there’s dynamic layers to Blake’s game which screams versatility.
With similar offensive characteristics to Adebayo, Griffin can finish, handle, and become a willing passer when it’s required. While Adebayo is already invested in as the Heat’s future, Griffin would be the most versatile front-court player and quite arguably, the best to ever play alongside him.
Their games are interchangeable, as both players can operate as either a ball-handler or a roll-man. That’s just a taste of what he could offer though.