Blake Griffin, a six-time All-Star forward, revealed his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday.
Originally drafted as the first overall pick by the LA Clippers from Oklahoma in 2009, Griffin faced an early setback when he fractured his left patella during the preseason.
Despite the setback, Griffin bounced back the following season, clinching the 2010-11 Rookie of the Year Award and embarking on five consecutive All-Star appearances. Notably, he also claimed victory in the Slam Dunk Contest, showcasing his athleticism by dunking over a parked car.
Renowned for his aerial displays, Griffin’s tenure with the Clippers soared, particularly after the addition of point guard Chris Paul in the 2011-12 season.
The dynamic duo’s collaboration, characterized by Paul’s alley-oop passes to Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, defined an era of success for the Clippers, famously dubbed Lob City.
However, postseason triumphs remained elusive, leading to Griffin’s unexpected trade to the Detroit Pistons during the 2018 season, shortly after inking a lucrative contract extension.
Subsequently, Griffin, now 35, spent portions of the following four seasons with the Pistons before reaching a buyout agreement during the 2020-21 season and subsequently joining the Brooklyn Nets.
Last season, he donned the jersey of the Boston Celtics, albeit in a reserve role, averaging career-low statistics of 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 41 games.
Reflecting on his NBA journey, Griffin expressed gratitude for the myriad experiences that shaped his career during his 14-year tenure in the league.
While acknowledging the highs and lows, Griffin’s Instagram post exuded appreciation for the invaluable memories garnered throughout his NBA tenure.
During his prime in the 2013-14 season, Griffin showcased his prowess by averaging 24.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, securing a third-place finish in the MVP race behind Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
Across his career, Griffin maintained impressive averages of 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, earning recognition with three second-team All-NBA selections and two third-team All-NBA nods.
