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NBA Free Agency: Adding Blake Griffin risky in Chicago, but a huge talent

By Willie Lutz

Mar 4, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) attempts to pass the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) attempts to pass the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Chicago Bulls do decide to make some moves and free up salary cap space next season, someone like Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin could be on their radar.

Following another disappointing season and the impending free agency for All-Stars Blake Griffin and point guard Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Clippers may began a reloading process.

Griffin fits a short list of All-Star talent that would be able to diversify the Bulls game, which would hopefully create sturdier performances.

Griffin is likely to opt out of his remaining contract with the Clippers, which would be a $21.4 million figure for 2017-18. With a looming 5-year/$175 million deal, it seems the Clippers may not be interested in paying such a high premium.

The obvious mark on Griffin will be his lengthy injury history, as the big man has missed games in all but one season. That season, mind you, was his rookie campaign. His most recent injury against the Utah Jazz was a toe injury that knocked him out for the remainder of the postseason.

Related topic: Way-too-early free agent talk – Blake Griffin

In his first five seasons, Griffin appeared in 65 games or more each year. Over the last two, however, Griffin has played in 35 and 61 games respectively. Set to receive a max contract in the offseason, regardless of the suitor, it’s up to teams to make a call on the injuries.

There is no question of the talent

At 6-foot-10 and 251 pounds, Griffin possess the physical frame straight out of a designer’s workshop for an NBA power forward. His size is among the numerous reasons why he was the top selection in the 2009 NBA Draft.

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    • In addition to a knock-out frame, the forward also hits more than he misses. Shooting 51.1 percent from the field over his career is a plus for a big man. Take a look at the box score and you’ll see Griffin doing everything well. Averaging 21.5 points, 9.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists over his career is plenty.

    Even in a basketball nerd sense, Griffin is great. His win shares totaled 7.7 during the 2016-17 season. His player efficiency rating was just 0.1 away from his career average of 22.8; the league average is 15. Such a player would make any team savor for the boost.

    So, what’s missing?

    With perhaps less bounce remaining in his legs, teams are left to wonder how much Blake Griffin can really help them over the length of his deal. If Griffin were to spend his contract in the trainer’s room, no one would be sorry for his suitor. Signing Griffin is knowing what you’ve signed on to receive.

    Signing Griffin has the potential to do really big things for the Bulls. With a combo of Griffin, Jimmy Butler and Robin Lopez in the front court, the Bulls are suddenly hard to defend. Add some of the young bench talent, such as Cameron Payne, onto the floor and you’ve got a deadly mix.

    With the addition of Griffin, the Bulls, who finished third in rebounding last season, almost certainly move to first in the same column. Add in Griffin’s overall defensive value, a 1.3 box plus/minus, and you’re in a good place on the blocks.

    However, if something goes wrong with those legs, you’re a lot more vulnerable due to economic standing. The Bulls, who lacked overall depth last season, would have a hard time trying to make up for Griffin. In fat, Griffin has an outstanding career 25.6 VORP (value over replacement player) his worth at the spot.

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    The former rookie of the year and five-time All-Star will be a huge add for some team. Should that team be the Bulls?

    Well, that depends on the value they see in Griffin’s durability.

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