But for Griffin individually, the season has been a significant step forward. The man who once pulled off a two-handed dunk while jumping over the front of a car is a bit less of an athletic sensation in Detroit, but the blue-collar elements of his game are still plenty effective.

The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Griffin can muscle his way to the basket and draw fouls, and he gives the Pistons another tough rebounder alongside Andre Drummond. Griffin is also leading the team in assists.

"I think my job is to make his game as easy as possible on the offensive end. When I get him open, he usually makes the right plays," Drummond said.

"It's a nightmare for teams. You've got to really pick your poison, who you really want to get going, and it's scary when we both get it going."

Griffin has expanded his offensive repertoire to include the 3-point shot in recent years. He has already made a career-high 134 3s this season, shooting a credible 37 percent from downtown.

"It helps a lot, especially in today's NBA, with everybody spacing the floor a little bit more, and playing with a guy like Dre, who's so effective inside," Griffin said. "To be able to give him a little bit more space is a good thing."

When Griffin joined the Clippers, he added some legitimacy and excitement to what had been one of the league's most downtrodden franchises. Now the Pistons are a team that could use some buzz. The results recently have been mixed: Griffin has been terrific, but the team as a whole has remained mediocre.

But Detroit won four of five heading into the All-Star break, and if the Pistons make the playoffs, they'll have Griffin to thank.

Associated Press