Why is the Nets’ Blake Griffin benched? Six-times star ‘didn’t necessarily see it coming’

Brooklyn Nets forward Blake Griffin has gone from a starting lead role to a non-existent role.

After appearing in each of his first 17 appearances with the Nets this season, the 32-year-old was left out of the starting lineup and rotated, picking DNP-CDs in each of the team’s most recent encounters – 19 points win. beat the Boston Celtics and lost six points to the Phoenix Suns.

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While Griffin admits he understands the decision to leave him out of the starting lineup, he was surprised by not seeing any game time.

“No, I mean listen, [LaMarcus Aldridge] played unbelievable, so I totally started with him,” Griffin said on Monday.

“Completely cured [the rotation]However, I don’t necessarily see that coming,” he continued. But that is not my decision. As players, it’s our duty to do whatever the coach sees best, so at this point, that’s it. “

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Why does Blake Griffin have to sit on the bench?

It’s a performance-based decision.

Across 17 games, Griffin is averaging a career-low 5.5 points along with 4.9 rebounds after just 22 minutes of play per game. Griffin’s low scoring ability is the direct cause of his underperformance, he is currently shooting 31.8% from the pitch and has just 9 of his first 56 3-pointers of the season. This equates to a 16.1% conversion rate.

Last season, Griffin was far more effective and efficient against the Nets in the same role.

With Kyrie Irving’s prolonged absence and Joe Harris recently underwent an ankle surgery, the Nets can’t afford to rely on an underperforming Griffin.

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Who will play for Blake Griffin?

With Griffin dropped from the Nets rotation, Aldridge was included in the starting lineup.

After retiring, the 36-year-old Aldridge is averaging 13.8 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 58.0% from the field and 37.5% from 3-pointers, compared with Griffin’s nine in 32 less attempts.

Aldridge scored 17 points against the Celtics and finished with 18 against the Suns.

In both games against the Celtics and Suns, Nets head coach Steve Nash picked veteran forwards James Johnson and Paul Millsap on the bench instead of Griffin.

Will Blake Griffin stay with the Nets?

With this only being the first quarter of an 82-game season, Griffin is likely to find himself in the rotation again at some point. If he is no longer fit, the 11-year veteran earns only $ 2.6 million this season and could move elsewhere.

Griffin sought advice of friend and former teammate DeAndre Jordan, who fell out of the Nets rotation in a similar fashion last season.

While Jordan eventually moved on to join the Los Angeles Lakers following a subsequent transaction and acquisition, Griffin’s salary figure gives him more flexibility if he stays or chooses to move elsewhere.

Nets schedule 2021-22