Reports have been circulating about the possibility of former all-star Blake Griffin signing with the Golden State Warriors. This now creates a scenario where the Warriors could recreate Lob City since they already traded for Chris Paul. Both Paul and Griffin are towards the end of their careers, but they could reunite on the Warriors to win their first championship. Back in 2014, Paul and Griffin were one of the most dynamic duos in basketball on the LA Clippers, so maybe a reunion would unlock some familiar chemistry.
The Warriors technically used to have a rivalry with the LA Clippers from 2013 to around 2015-2016. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin were supposed to be the team to beat in the West, while the Warriors were the up-and-coming team trying to take them down. However, the Clippers and Warriors tied in their regular season series, and the Clippers beat the Warriors in round one of the 2014 playoffs.
It wasn’t long though until the Warriors would begin their dominance as Paul and Griffin soon proved to be too much for Golden State’s firepower. Stephen Curry and the Warriors beat the Clippers in every regular season matchup from 2015 to 2018 (until Lou Williams dropped 50 on January 10, 2018). Paul left in the 2017 offseason while Griffin was traded midway through the 2018 season to the Detroit Pistons, and the Lob City era was over in LA.
Griffin reuniting with Paul on the Warriors would be ironic to say the least. The Warriors dominated against Paul and Griffin after their 2014 playoff matchup. On the surface, teaming back up on the franchise that beat them consistently appears like the most unlikely scenario.
With Paul and Griffin both transitioning into complementary roles, a Warriors reunion makes more sense than most other scenarios. Griffin has been on some contending teams over the past few years, but none of them give him the familiarity that the Warriors offer with former teammate Chris Paul.
Griffin didn’t receive much playing time with the Boston Celtics, so he may not get many minutes on the Warriors either. Despite the decreased role over the last few seasons, Griffin’s effort and hustle is unmatched when he’s on the court. He’s also developed into a seasoned 3-point shooter and passer as he’s gotten older.
Additionally, Griffin could play the backup center position in smaller lineups. Griffin may not be the lob threat that he once was, but he throws down a spectacular dunk every once in a while. Furthermore, Griffin’s primary role may involve being a solid locker room presence and mentoring the Warriors’ younger players.
Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors’ 2021 seventh overall pick, could learn from Griffin’s veteran experience. That mentorship could be more valuable than anything Griffin can provide on the court. Giving Kuminga the chance to learn from another transcendent talent like Griffin would help Kuminga tremendously. Griffin’s potential relationship with Kuminga would be a major reason the Warriors look to sign him.
Considering all the options Griffin still has in free agency, the Warriors probably have an equal chance with teams like Boston or Miami. Griffin’s top priority is likely winning a championship, so the Warriors immediately jump out as a top destination. However, Griffin has noted how much he enjoyed his time in Boston, and they may have the best odds to win the East.
Griffin resigning with the Boston Celtics seems to be likely, but he hasn’t made an official decision yet. Only time will tell where Griffin chooses to go, yet a reunion with Paul on the Warriors isn’t out of the question. Will Griffin resign with Boston or will he recreate Lob City on the new-look Golden State Warriors?
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