Griffin open to 'different role' on Pistons

Blake Griffin made just 18 appearances during an injury-plagued 2019-20 campaign, and the Detroit Pistons missed the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons.

The 31-year-old underwent left knee surgery in January, and he's open to change as the club looks to bounce back next year.

"I look for our team to be competitive. I know from my conversations with (head) coach (Dwane Casey) and (general manager) Troy (Weaver) and the front office, they want to put a competitive team on the floor," Griffin told reporters on Thursday, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "I've told them, I'm here to do whatever they ask of me. Whether that's sort of taking on a different role, taking on more of a role, whatever it might be."

Weaver, who the Pistons hired in June, spent the previous 12 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His relationship with Griffin dates back years, as the six-time All-Star was born and raised in Oklahoma City before starring locally for the Sooners.

Weaver influenced the Thunder's personnel decisions - including drafting 2016-17 MVP Russell Westbrook - and Griffin feels good about his long-term vision for the team.

"He just has a great mindset and he also has a very, very good eye for talent in the NBA," Griffin said. "I think he likes guys who are hard-nosed players, guys that'll come in and work, earn their spot. Guys that will compete and that's what I'm about. So, we see eye to eye on that and I think he has a great vision for where we want this franchise to go. I feel confident with him leading the charge of drafting and everything else, free agency and all that."

Griffin is just one year removed from an All-Star campaign when he averaged a career-high 24.5 points, 7.5 boards, and 5.4 assists. He'll make $36.6 million in 2020-21 and hold a $38.9-million player option for the following season.