Last night we got our first impression of the Pistons-Clippers trade involving Blake Griffin. A lot of players and picks were moved, so it's going to be a while before we know who won this trade.
Or will it really take that long?
WAIT, THIS LOOKS FAMILIAR... HAVEN'T I SEEN THIS SHOW?
Before even getting into the game, it's hard to ignore some details that may have Blake Griffin feeling a bit of the ol' deja vu.
First, Griffin switches DeAndre Jordan for Andre Drummond -- two big men with similar skill sets (protecting the rim, PnR-dunks, minimal low-block game). Second, Doc for SVG -- both under-performing coaches. Three, one shallow bench for another. And finally, having played most of his career with CP3, now he switches to Reggie Jackson.
By no means are those two even close in talent or that similar in game, yet I can't help but wonder if RJax's ego may end up making Blake feel like he never left Los Angeles, stuck in some sort of cruel nightmare where it merely seems that the City of Angels froze over.
THE FIRST HALF
The beginning 24 minutes was pretty enlightening as to why the Pistons gave up so much to get Griffin. With Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley gone, Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson got plugged into the first team. Surprisingly, Bullock looked like he's more than ready for this opportunity while Johnson was searching for his rhythm. Regardless, Detroit's risky trade is really about these two and whether or not they're key to the Piston's playoff drive or the reason they go on vacation early.
On to Griffin.
It was good to see him attacking the rim and taking residence at the free throw line. 13 points on 6 of 8 from the line with 7 rebounds is a solid stat line for a half but the more interesting detail not found there was Griffin's attempts to spark the chemistry with Drummond.
Griffin was clearly looking to feed Drummond. Unfortunately, Drummond wasn't taking much advantage. But I think these two will find their consistency rather quickly in the games to come.
The blatantly obvious bad news was that Detroit was outscored 28-14 while Blake was on the bench. Like I said, Blake, deja vu.
THE SECOND HALF
What a way to start the half: on the bench because you forgot your jersey. Nicely done, Blake. You're never gonna hear the end of that.
Now, where Reggie Bullock had a quality first half, Stanley Johnson stepped it up in the second. Looks like SVG's working his short leash so that who's ever colder between the two will be the first to be pulled. That should keep a fire lit under their asses.
In the fourth, Blake once again entered with the second team having lost the lead -- this time they were only down one. Mirroring the first half, he kept attacking and feeding at the line -- very smart. Especially considering how the game went down to the wire. Although Bullock's missed three would've given them a decent cushion, they found themselves up one when the Griz had the ball with about 20 seconds left. After a Gasol miss, a scrum and a jump ball, the Pistons won a close one that could've easily gone the other way.
A decent start with Blake leading the way (24/10/4) but Miami and Portland will be the real qualifying tests to see how quickly the Pistons can figure things out.
SO WHO WON THE PISTONS-CLIPPERS TRADE?
If just one game is any indication, it's Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson. Looks like it's your time, gentlemen.