Pistons GM: Griffin is 'in our plans going forward'

Less than one week after being hired as general manager of the Detroit Pistons, Troy Weaver is making it clear veterans Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose are part of his team's future.

"I'm excited about having the chance to work with Blake," Weaver told reporters, including ESPN's Eric Woodyard, during his introductory press conference on Monday.

Griffin, who can earn up to $75.5 million over the remainder of his contract, was limited to 18 games this past season due to a left knee injury. However, the former first overall pick recently said he's healthy following rehab from arthroscopic surgery this past January.

"I know he's anxious to get back and show people what kind of player he is after just playing a few games last year, but as long as Blake is in a Pistons uniform and under contract, I look forward to working with him in helping us restore the Pistons," Weaver added. "He's definitely in our plans going forward."

As for Rose, Weaver referred to the former MVP as a "big-time player" alongside Griffin who the team will rely on to help mentor its younger, developing talent. Rose was in the midst of a stellar season prior to the pandemic-induced hiatus, averaging 18.1 points and 5.6 assists.

"We're excited to get them (Griffin and Rose) healthy and help them move forward," Weaver said. "We feel like we have a good mixture of young guys with those two staples to be able to start there, but obviously we've got a lot of work to do with the draft and free agency."

With a 20-46 record, the Pistons were one of the eight squads that failed to qualify for a spot in the NBA's 22-team restart in Orlando set to begin next month.