Why the Los Angeles Lakers not signing Blake Griffin is a blessing

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 02: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons warms up before a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 2, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Blake Griffin has never been a rim protector

Related to the last slide, Griffin is not someone who will block shots or protect the rim or painted area.

For his career, he has only averaged 0.5 blocked shots per game. His high-water mark in that category was 0.7 blocks per game, which he notched in the 2011-12 season, his second in the NBA.

If we think back to last season, the Lakers had, in addition to Davis, Javale McGee and Dwight Howard playing the pivot. Both were premier shot blockers and helped deter slashers from getting into the lane, which enabled the other four guys to stay at home with their respective men on the perimeter.

Without a legit shot-blocking threat in the middle, we all know that your defense will have to collapse into the paint when the opponent slashes down the middle, which opens up semi-contested or uncontested 3-point shots.

I really doubt Griffin would’ve helped at all in that department.

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