Nets’ Blake Griffin Struggling With Move To Bench

Nets forward/center Blake Griffin began the season as a starter, but has been relegated to backup behind LaMarcus Aldridge.

Griffin admitted that, yes, it has indeed been an adjustment.

A former All-Star, Griffin has struggled with his perimeter shooting. He told reporters that he understands why he’s not playing as much — as Aldridge has been fantastic. But that doesn’t make it easy.

“No, I mean listen, (Aldridge) has been playing unbelievable,” Griffin said. “So, I totally get starting him. … 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, 32, said he has spoken with former Nets and current Lakers center DeAndre Jordan about how to best handle falling out of the regular rotation. Something similar happened to Jordan last season in Brooklyn.

As of this post, Griffin hadn’t played in a week as the Nets look to contend for a title with the likes of Kevin Durant and James Harden. They also need to replace sharpshooter Joe Harris, who is expected to miss four-to-eight weeks following ankle surgery.

“(Griffin) began the year as the team’s starting center but only could muster 5.5 points and 4.9 rebounds a game on 31.8 percent from the field and a revolting 16.1 percent from deep, the one skill he was being relied on for as a small-ball 5,” wrote Darryn Albert of Larry Brown Sports.

Griffin is an example that in many instances, even big men are expected to stretch opposing defenses. Otherwise, they may find themselves on the bench, regardless of past accomplishments.

“Well, I feel for him,” Nets coach Steve Nash 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.”