Oddsmakers Not Too High on Blake Griffin Going to Brooklyn

The addition of Blake Griffin to the Brooklyn Nets was a reason for their fans to be excited. However, the best NBA betting sites don’t seem to be as thrilled as them, at least for now.

Shortly after news of Griffin’s signing with Brooklyn, online sportsbooks updated their respective oddsboards. However, among the best NBA betting sites, only the Las Vegas Superbook made Brooklyn the new odds on favorite after the addition of Griffin:

New title odds at @SuperBookSports with Blake Griffin on his way to the Nets, per @golfodds.

Nets 5/2

Lakers 11/4

Clippers 11/2

Jazz 13/2

Bucks 12/1

76ers 16/1

Suns 25/1

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 7, 2021

At online bookmaker BetOnline, the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers are still on top of the odds board at +275 despite going 2-6 in their last eight games heading to the All-Star break. Meanwhile, the Nets are second at +290 despite losing just once in their last 10 outings. PointsBet and BetMGM didn’t change their Nets championship odds after the trade and also kept the Lakers on top of their list.

Not the Same Effect as James Harden

When Brooklyn completed the James Harden trade last January, it caused a massive shift in the NBA championship odds for the 2021 season. The Nets were among the top favorites to win the title during the preseason but after adding Harden, Brooklyn overtook the L.A. Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks in the championship odds boards.

.@JHarden13 getting traded to the @BrooklynNets has caused a massive shift in @NBA Title #Odds for the 2021 season.

Check out @VSiNLive to hear the #experts discuss what the #Harden #trade means for all of your #futures bets!#VSiN #SportsBetting #Media #Nets #NBA #NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/yqZ9Kf7SvY

— SeventySix Capital (@76Capital) January 14, 2021

But obviously, Blake Griffin is no James Harden. While Griffin is a six-time All-Star and is just two seasons removed from his last All-Star Game appearance, he is no longer the same player as injuries have taken away the elite athleticism that made Griffin a special player.

Griffin was one of the league’s top high-flyers but he has not made or attempted a dunk this season. He has not made a dunk in his last 25 games and it’s a drought that dates back to last season. The last time that Griffin made a dunk was December 12, 2019, and according to ESPN, a total of 448 players have made a dunk in the NBA since then.

The number 1 pick of the 2009 NBA Draft has played only 20 games this season after suiting up for a total of 18 during the previous one. This campaign, he’s averaging a career-low 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He shot 35.2% from the field last season and isn’t any better this year at just 36.5%. In short, the Nets are getting a Blake Griffin who is just a shell of his old self.

Can Griffin Make a Difference in Brooklyn?

While Blake Griffin doesn’t make the Brooklyn Nets invincible, he could still contribute to the team despite his current state. Griffin’s athleticism may have significantly diminished but in the latter part of his career, he has developed a more complete game that allows him to be effective despite not being able to play above the rim anymore.

We updated our main story on @blakegriffin23 buyout to include Frank Urbina analysis on Hoopshype of how Griffin, despite diminished athleticism, could still help. And more links. https://t.co/fWDDqKYtta

— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) March 6, 2021

He isn’t the rim protector and defensive presence that the Nets badly need. However, he provides Brooklyn with another frontline option behind DeAndre Jordan. Currently, Brooklyn’s “other big man” is Jeff Green and despite Griffin’s underachieving campaign, he is still better than Jeff Green, both as a player and physical presence.

In Brooklyn, Griffin no longer has to score tons of points. Griffin can leave the big scoring load to KD, Kyrie, and Harden. However, he is still a very good fourth option on offense if needed. Griffin is a legit double-digit scorer who will also boost a Nets bench that ranks in the bottom half in the league in scoring.

Sure, the Nets are no longer getting the same player who made six All-Star teams and led the L.A. Clippers in big games. However, Griffin can still contribute and make a difference in Brooklyn. The odds don’t show that for now. But remember he hasn’t played a single game with the Nets yet.