KEY POINTS

  • Griffin spotted working out in Los Angeles
  • Griffin finding ways to stay in shape
  • Griffin holds uncertain future with Pistons

The NBA is on hold and most players are confined to their homes to avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus. Some have found ways to keep themselves busy and that list now includes Blake Griffin. The 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year was spotted over in Los Angeles seemingly working out.

In a report from TMZ, Griffin was spotted in Tinseltown shirtless with only a training strap attached to his chest. The 31-year-old fled Detroit and went back to Los Angeles but appears to be making the most out of the free time he has. Curiously, it seems a bit odd to see him outdoors considering most have been advised to stay indoors for their protection.

Regardless, seeing Griffin trying to stay in shape is a good sign that he is determined to return to the court. However, the question there is when the NBA will return to normality and whether it would be a resumption of the current one or an entirely new season. At the rate that the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading the odds seem to point at the latter.

In a previous post, it was discussed how the future of Griffin seemed murky. The top pick of the 2009 NBA Draft has been saddled by injuries in the past years. In fact, he played only 18 games this 2019-20 season due to knee problems. He averaged 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists but hardly made his presence felt this season for the Detroit Pistons.

In the same report, Griffin mentioned he was ready for whatever the future holds. Detroit sent off Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers and critics feel that Griffin is likely to follow soon. The Pistons are rebuilding and Griffin could be the odd man out next season. Also, dislodging him could make room for young blood who would be more durable.

"When the time comes, I’ll have that conversation to see where we’re at and go from there,” Griffin said to the Detroit News.

Some teams could give Griffin a shot at proving he still has what it takes to compete in the NBA. But his medical evaluation will factor in heavily for clubs who may consider him. For now, the 6-foot-9 is doing the right thing by keeping himself in shape - provided he does not strain himself out and incur yet another injury.

Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin is not asking for a trade from the Detroit Pistons for now. Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. Getty Images/Rob Carr