Despite Teammates’ Plea, Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla Shuts Down Blake Griffin Return Rumors With a Different Story: “I Stopped Talking…” 

The Boston Celtics are comfortably sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a 45-12 record. Despite this, the team is still unable to shake the absence of their forward Blake Griffin. The 34-year-old veteran has not played a single game this season and he plans on missing the entire season to spend more time with his family. He signed a veteran’s minimum deal for one year with the Celtics in September 2022. Last season, he played off the bench and got minimum playing time.

Griffin played 41 games and averaged a career-low 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. This was a disappointing season, to say the least. With his contract now expired, Griffin became a free agent and was hesitant about re-signing with Boston. Shortly after this, he went MIA, declaring that he wanted to be with his family full-time. This did not stop his teammates from pleading with him to come back.

Blake Griffin’s return looks bleak

Teammates Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have reached out to Griffin on multiple occasions “begging” him to come back to the team. Amidst this, the 6X NBA All-Star seems firm on his decision. “We talk quite a bit, I’m just enjoying my life right now guys,” he said, as per an X post by Legion Hoops. HC Joe Mazulla’s conversation with Griffin reveals a similar outcome where he is taking his time off seriously.

When Joe Mazzulla was asked to comment on his players requesting their teammate Griffin to come back, he replied, “When he told me at the end of last year that his family was the most important thing, I stopped talking to him about it because I know what it’s like to be away from your kids and away from your family,” as per The Athletic‘s Jared Weiss. It appears that Mazzulla respects Griffin’s decision and will not push him out of his comfort zone.

At this point, the team should not expect Griffin to return this season. In fact, he might be looking toward retirement as per sources.

Griffin has maxed out

Although the Celtics are waiting with open arms for Griffin to come back, he might be contemplating taking an opposite direction. After a disappointing season last year with poor stats and minimal minutes, Griffin might be edging toward pulling the plug on his career.

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This claim was solidified when the team’s president of basketball operations Brad Stevens revealed that their 34-year-old star is considering retirement. According to teammates, Griffin had become a valued member of the Celtics and he was loved by all those associated with the team. It is no wonder why his absence is felt by everyone.