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Blake Griffin willing to take on “a different role” in rebuilding the Pistons

In the midst of a Detroit Pistons rebuild, six-time All-Star Blake Griffin is embracing the process during his rehab and said he’s willing to accept “a different role” if need be.

Griffin, 31, underwent arthroscopic debridement of his left knee on January 7 and trained six days a week in anticipation of the NBA’s return for the 2020-21 season, likely in December.

During the suspension of the championship, Detroit made key changes, including the notable hiring of longtime Oklahoma City Thunder executive Troy Weaver as general manager.

Griffin, who grew up in Oklahoma, has known Weaver for many years.

The team also agreed to buy the G League Northern Arizona Suns from the Phoenix Suns, with the renamed Detroit squad expected to play in a new arena currently under construction on the Wayne State University campus starting in the 2021-22 season.

“I try to make our team competitive. I know this from my conversations with the manager [Dwane Casey] and Troy and the front office, they want to field a competitive team, “Griffin told reporters via Zoom on Thursday.” I told them, I’m here to do what they ask me. Whether it’s taking on a different role, taking on more than one role, whatever it is.

“Whatever they feel they need me to do,” he continued. “We’re going to have a lot of young guys, so I think I’m spending a lot of time with them and laying the groundwork to make sure all these guys understand what Pistons basketball is about and the kind of basketball we’re trying to play. season, with the arrival of free agency, with the draft, I think we will be able to hear it more and more, but right now, I’m here, I’m working and trying to be a leader in every way possible. “

Despite Detroit being one of eight teams dropped from the NBA’s 22-team proposal for its Orlando, Florida start again after going 20-46, Weaver said he sees Griffin and veteran guard Derrick Rose as part of the franchise’s future.

He made it known during his introductory press conference in June.

“Obviously, being in Oklahoma City for the past 12 years, I remember Blake quite well, playing at the OU and his family was there, coming from Oklahoma City. So, I’m very familiar with Blake,” Weaver said. “I joked with him when I talked to him that I can finally work with him. We didn’t have the luck of the draw to get the number 1 pick when he came out like the other home teams had the luck of the draw, we didn’t got it, so I’m mocking him for it, but I’m thrilled to be working with Blake. “

Griffin has only played 18 games this season, but says he feels “a world of difference” in his knee. He is owed $ 36.6 million in 2020-21 and holds a player option for 2021-22 that, if exercised, will pay him $ 38.9 million, but Detroit will still have options to reshape its roster.

“Troy was fantastic. I’ve known him for a while. He just has a great mindset and he also has a very, very good eye for talent in the NBA,” Griffin said. “I think he likes the guys who are hard nosed players, guys who will come in and work, earn their place. Guys who will compete and that’s what I’m all about. So, let’s see the eyes on this and I think he has a great vision of where we want this franchise to go. I am confident that he will lead the editorial office and all that, free will and all. “

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