By Damon Knight, Tribune Correspondent
Detroit Pistons star forward Blake Griffin has undergone left knee surgery and is out indefinitely. Griffin, 30, has only played in 18 games this season, averaging a career-low 15.5 points and a career-low 4.7 rebounds per game. Pistons head coach Dwane Casey stated before Tuesday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers that there has been no hint whether Griffin will return this season. “When Your body says you’re ready to come back, you’re ready to come back,” Casey said. “Blake’s a smart man. He’ll know when it’s time. There’s no rush on our part or his part. The most important thing is his total health.”
The Pistons will definitely miss the 6x All-Star as the team continues to struggle. Detroit is 13-24 to start the year and there are no signs of them making the playoffs. It’s not what they envisioned when they traded for Griffin and his 5-year, $171M deal back in January 2018. We should expect center, Christian Wood and rookie forward Sekou Doumbouya to step-up as they move on without Griffin. Coach Casey said, “We Know the direction right now,” Casey said. “We know what we’re dealing with. I think it’s a relief for Blake also. He’s a warrior. He’s a guy who’s been through a lot the last two years. He definitely carried us last year and tried his best to do that this year, but his body just wouldn’t let him.”
The Pistons will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at home at Little Caesars Arena. The game starts at 7 PM E
