Blake Griffin says people disrespected Detroit when he was traded there

For many NBA stars, having an opportunity to play in Los Angeles is the dream. The Lakers are one of the most successful franchises in sports, but playing for them or the Clippers also affords players a chance to live the Hollywood lifestyle. Contrary to what you might think, Blake Griffin didn’t mind leaving it behind.

In an appearance on the “How Neal Feel” podcast this week, Griffin reflected on the way people reacted after he was traded from the Clippers to the Detroit Pistons. He said they acted like a member of his family died.

“The one thing I haven’t talked about, it’s kind of funny. When I got traded, everybody’s thing was like, ‘Ohh, sorry, man. How’s Detroit?'” Griffin said, as transcribed by Will Burchfield of 97.1 The Ticket. “I’m always like, ‘It’s cool,’ and they’re like, ‘No, really.’ And I’m like, ‘No, it’s okay. It’s fine.'”

Griffin grew up in Oklahoma, and he said he’s actually much more comfortable in a place like Michigan than he was in LA. While he feels like no one believes him, Griffin said he prefers a more simplified lifestyle.

“During the season, I go to practice, I come home, I eat, I take a nap and I watch basketball, almost every single day. And I love it,” he added. “And in Michigan it is awesome because I have an awesome backyard and I don’t feel trapped. I can go drive places.”

It also worked out from a basketball standpoint last season. Griffin explained how one of his friends in the NBA (likely former Pistons teammate Reggie Bullock) was traded to the Lakers at the deadline last season, and everyone congratulated him. The Lakers ended up missing the playoffs, and the player is no longer with the team.

The issues Griffin has had this offseason recruiting other players to join him in Detroit may be a reflection of how people feel about the city, but he has clearly settled in.