Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

3 Brooklyn Nets role players who need to finish 2021-22 strong

By Jordanna Clark

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of the season opener at the Fiserv Forum on October 19, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of the season opener at the Fiserv Forum on October 19, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets, Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin, Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by: Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports) /

1: Blake Griffin

Brooklyn signed Blake Griffin in last year’s buyout market and he was a key part of the team’s 2021 playoff run. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Milwaukee, he averaged 12 points and seven rebounds while being the primary defender on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Griffin re-signed with the Nets in the offseason and hasn’t seen as much success this season as he did at the end of last year. He’s averaging a career-low 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

The 32-year-old was replaced by LaMarcus Aldridge in the starting lineup in November and ever since then, his minutes have been inconsistent. Griffin hasn’t been as effective on the offensive end as he was last season although his play has improved over the past few weeks.

He scored a season-high 19 points (5-of-7 from the 3-point line) against Denver on Feb. 6 and added four rebounds and two assists.

Griffin’s only played in 48 games, but he leads the league in charges drawn (24). Sure, he needs to do better on offense, but his energy and defense should be enough to earn him a consistent spot in the rotation.

Steve Nash doesn’t need to shy away from Griffin. The hustle plays that he makes can change the trajectory of a playoff game. If he can get things clicking on both ends of the court, Brooklyn will be better off. The same player that Griffin was in the postseason last year is still in there and maybe he’ll emerge over the next two months.