Griffin OKs contract buyout
Blake Griffin’s time in Detroit is over, another significant step in a rebuilding process that has the Pistons at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
The veteran forward and the Pistons agreed to a contract buyout.
“I thank the Pistons organization for working together on an outcome that benefits all involved and I wish the franchise success in the future,” Griffin said Friday in a statement released by the team.
The Pistons announced last month that they would keep Griffin out of the lineup while resolving his future, a clear sign that the star forward could be on the way out. The Pistons also traded Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks last month.
Griffin, who turns 32 later this month, came to Detroit in a trade during the 2017-18 season. The question now is how valuable he might be to a contending team. He had a terrific 2018-19 season for the Pistons, helping them to the playoffs, but his health has been a concern in Detroit, just as it had been when he was with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Griffin has averaged 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists in the 20 games he’s played this season.
“As we stated from the beginning of our discussions with Blake and his representatives, our goal has been to facilitate a resolution for the future that maximizes the interests of both Blake and our team,” Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said. “We appreciate all of Blake’s efforts on and off the court in Detroit, have great respect for him as a player and a person and we wish him all the best in the future.”
Detroit is just 10-26 this season and had three first-round picks in last year’s draft. A couple of them — Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey — have shown some promise. The Pistons also acquired Jerami Grant in the offseason, and he’s averaging 23.4 points per game.
If healthy, Griffin can offer size, versatility and veteran leadership to a contender. He was traded to the Pistons just seven months after signing a $171 million, five-year contract to stay with the Clippers. A couple seasons ago, he averaged a career-high 24.5 points.
Booker sidelined for All-Star Game
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker won’t play in the NBA All-Star Game this weekend because of a mild sprain in his left knee, opening up space for Utah’s Mike Conley to make his first All-Star appearance.
The Suns announced Booker’s injury on Friday. Conley will be making his first appearance in the NBA showcase in his 13th season.
Conley seemed surprised by the announcement that came about 48 hours before Sunday’s game. The point guard posted “Lol What just happened” in response to a congratulatory message from teammate Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Conley will all represent the Jazz in the All-Star Game.
Booker was hurt in the first quarter of a victory over Golden State on Thursday. He appeared to bump knees with Golden State’s Kent Bazemore and fell to the floor with a grimace on his face. He remained in the game and finished with 16 points.
Booker was set to play in his second All-Star Game after he was put on the roster as an injury replacement for Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis.
Conley’s addition to the All-Star roster is a feelgood story for the veteran point guard. The 33-yearold has routinely been in the All-Star discussion for a decade but always was snubbed when rosters were announced.
Conley is averaging 16.1 points and 5.7 assists.
Fan arrested at LaVine’s home
Before Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine left for Atlanta to play in his first NBA All-Star Game, an incident at his home Thursday night resulted in police being called after a fan refused to leave the property.
LaVine was at his home when a woman he reportedly didn’t know showed up and refused to leave, TMZ reported. The intruder came from out of state and demanded to have a conversation.
The woman reportedly was transferred to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. She also was warned not to return to LaVine’s home, according to NBC Sports Chicago.
Around the time of the incident, LaVine was drafted
to play for Kevin Durant’s team in the All-Star Game on Sunday. He also is scheduled to compete in the 3-Point Contest.
Utah stars fined for ripping refs
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell and center Rudy Gobert were fined by the NBA on Friday for criticizing the officiating in Wednesday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Mitchell, who also was reprimanded for knocking down a water cooler as he left the court, was fined 25,000, and Gobert was fined $20,000. Utah’s two All-Stars suggested in postgame comments that as a small-market team, the Jazz don’t get a fair shake from officials.
Hawks’ Hunter closer to return
Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter has stepped up his rehabilitation from right knee surgery, but it will be another two weeks before the team knows how close he is to returning.
The Hawks announced Friday that Hunter has been cleared to do unrestricted weight room work and progressive on-court drills. His condition will be reviewed again March 19.