Several members of the team reached out to Griffin back during the team’s West Coast trip in December I’m told about a potential return. However, the outreach from the Celtics has continued in recent weeks. “I texted him actually a week ago or two jokingly being like, ‘Coming back for one last ride?’ He says he’s enjoying his life,” Pritchard said. Show host Dan Katz then proceeded to call up Griffin during the appearance with Pritchard and White, deflecting when asked about a potential return later this season. “We talk quite a bit,” Griffin said. “I’m just enjoying my life right now guys.” – via Booth Newspapers
When pressed about why Blake Griffin isn’t suiting up with the team this season, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White acknowledged that the team’s roster has tried to get him back to Boston. “I don’t know. We begged him to,” Pritchard told PMT. “I think the whole team has been begging him to,’ White added. – via Booth Newspapers
I guess I am a bit surprised that with our record and how good we have looked he wouldn't want the chance to get a ring if his teammates want him around that much.
I wonder if there's a pride element to it. Sure everyone wants to win a championship, but how many guys want to win a championship without actually playing in the playoffs? After appearing in only 1 playoff game last year (for <6 minutes, in the first round), I'm sure Griffin sees the writing on the wall, and knows it's very likely he won't get any minutes even if the C's make it all the way to the Finals.
When I think of ring chasers like David West, Ray Allen, Gary Payton, Karl Malone, PJ Brown, Sam Cassell, they were all still playing meaningful roles and in the playoff rotation. Not too many ring chasers come to mind that don't play at all or barely played (TMac unsuccessfully in '13, Mitch Richmond successfully in '02 do come to mind). Probably easier for a career role player like Scal or Haslem to accept that kind of role, as opposed to a former star like Griffin.
But maybe not even pride. Maybe just a cost/benefit analysis. It's a lot of work to get and stay in NBA shape, a lot of travel, and maybe winning a ring as the 15th man who doesn't play in the playoffs just doesn't seem like much of a benefit to a guy like Griffin.