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While Blake Griffin has not played a minute of NBA basketball this season, it did not stop his former Celtics teammates from pushing for his return in Boston.

On Monday, Celtics guards Derrick White and Payton Pritchard appeared on Pardon My Take and spoke highly of the six-time All-Star while he sits out this season as a free agent. Griffin served as a role player for the Celtics for 41 games last season but opted to spend time with family rather than re-signing, per league sources.

When asked why the power forward has been absent this season, White and Pritchard admitted that have they tried to get Griffin back with the team.

‘I don’t know. We begged him to,’ Pritchard said on the program.

‘I think the whole team has been begging him to,’ White added.

Payton Pritchard and Derrick White admitted they ‘begged’ Blake Griffin to return to Boston

Griffin is sitting out the season as a free agent to spend time with his family, per NBA sources 

Griffin played in 41 games for the Celtics last season as a role player coming off the bench 

Several players have reportedly reached out to Griffin in December about a potential return. Almost two months later, the effort to spark a return has resumed for weeks.

‘I texted him actually a week ago or two jokingly being like, ‘Coming back for one last ride?’ He says he’s enjoying his life,’ Pritchard added.

The comments prompted show Dan Katz to call Griffin during the segment. While deflecting questions about a return this season, the big man claimed he is enjoying his time away from the league.

‘We talk quite a bit,’ Griffin said. ‘I’m just enjoying my life right now guys.’

Griffin continued by praising his former team and hailing them as his favorites to win the NBA тιтle.

‘They’re my favorites,’ Griffin said of Boston’s тιтle chances. ‘I don’t guarantee, I don’t want to put bad juju on them but they are the heavy favorites in my mind.’

Griffin landed in Boston after stints with the Clippers, Nets, and Pistons. His high-flying and dunk-heavy playing style made him star in the Clippers’ famous Lob City era with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan.

Despite spending just one year in Boston, Griffin raved about his lone season with the Celtics last summer on a Barstool Sports podcast.

The Celtics added Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis this season to strengthen their roster 

Griffin has made six All-Star selections and formerly played for the Clippers, Pistons and Nets 

‘Boston is unbelievable,’ Griffin said. ‘Living in Boston, playing in Boston was, like, one of the best experiences.

‘Dude, the fans are incredible. Having a team that is so championship-focused. One of the best parts is the players on that team are just like such a great group of guys.’

Over the offseason, the Celtics added mᴀssive reinforcements by acquiring guard Jrue Holiday and center Kristaps Porzingis to the roster. In addition, they added Xavier Tillman at the trade ᴅᴇᴀᴅline to join Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet in the Celtics’ frontcourt.

The Celtics technically have an open spot if the team successfully convinces Griffin to return. However, Tillman’s acquisition likely signals that they don’t expect Griffin to come back soon.