VI: PF/C Eddie Griffin (2005-06)
GS 27 | 19.4 MPG | 4.6 PPG | 19.5 3P% | 5.6 RPG | 0.6 APG | 0.2 SPG | 2.1 BPG
While the Timberwolves did not compete in the 2006 NBA Playoffs and did not even finish above .500 at the end of the 2005-06 NBA season, power forward/center Eddie Griffin’s performance did not exactly help the cause.
Griffin was a reclamation project by the Timberwolves, a player who was suspended for the entirety of the 2003-04 NBA season due to a violation of the league’s controlled substance policy. In fact, when he returned to compete for the Timberwolves during the 2004-05 NBA season, he was relegated to coming off the bench and seemed to flourish in that role.
Unfortunately, the Minnesota Timberwolves could not leave well enough alone and started Griffin in 27 games through the course of the 2005-06 NBA season. Unfortunately, the 6-foot-10 220-pound forward was not up to the task. In fact, his production dropped significantly.
The Timberwolves continued to use a rotation at the center position. For this year, Griffin was one of the clear underachievers. Starting 27 games, he was only good enough for 4.6 points per game. His saving grace was the fact that he was still effective as a rim protector, averaging 2.1 blocked shots per game.