Nets' Griffin surprised by demotion: 'Whatever coaches see best'

After struggling to start the season, Brooklyn Nets big man Blake Griffin was a healthy scratch versus the Boston Celtics on Wednesday and the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.

Griffin's removal from coach Steve Nash's rotation came as a surprise to the six-time All-Star, but he acknowledged the need to beef up the Nets' shot efficiency in light of their current injury situation.

"I mean listen, (LaMarcus Aldridge) has been playing unbelievable," Griffin said Monday, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "So, I totally get starting him, especially Joe (Harris) has been out, and I totally get that.

"Being completely out of it, though, I didn't necessarily see that coming. But that's not my decision. As players it's our job to do whatever coaches see best, so at this point, that's what it is."

Griffin put up just 5.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, two assists, and a career-worst effective field-goal rate of 36% through his first 17 games.

Harris, twice the league leader in 3-point percentage and shooting a blistering 46.6% from deep this season, is expected to miss four-to-eight weeks after undergoing a procedure on his ankle.

Meanwhile, the 6-foot-11 Aldridge had been a revelation off the bench prior to being promoted into Griffin's old starting slot. In just over 22 minutes per contest, the seven-time All-Star big man has averaged 13.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game with 37.5% accuracy on threes and 60.9% on twos to date.

Nash believes Griffin has handled the change in stride.

"I feel for him," the second-year head coach said. "That's not easy. You know it's tough when you go through a rough stretch of play and the world kind of caves in on you a little bit. I've been there and understand it.

"We have to give other guys an opportunity at this point, but Blake's had a great attitude. I really admire him for being positive through this and keeping himself ready so if his opportunity comes back, he can have an impact."