Blake Griffin declared his retirement on Tuesday following a 14-year career marked by six All-Star selections, winning Rookie of the Year, and triumphing in a dunk contest.
Griffin expressed gratitude for every aspect of his journey in a social media message. He entered the league as the top pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009 but faced an injury that sidelined him for his debut season.
However, he bounced back, securing the Rookie of the Year title in 2011, the same year he impressed in the All-Star Game dunk contest.
Teaming up with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, Griffin’s electrifying plays injected energy into the Clippers, leading to the team being dubbed “Lob City.”
Eventually, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018 amidst declining athleticism and recurring injuries.
Tyronn Lue, the current Clippers coach and former assistant during Griffin’s tenure in LA, credited Griffin for his significant role in the team’s transformation. Lue highlighted Griffin’s athleticism and underrated passing skills, acknowledging his impactful career.
Griffin reshaped his game in Detroit, adding a reliable 3-point shot and earning his sixth All-Star nod in the 2018-19 season. Despite stints with Brooklyn and Boston, he sat out the 2023-24 season.
Throughout his career, Griffin maintained averages of 19.0 points and 8.0 rebounds. In the 2013-14 season, he finished third in MVP voting behind Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
Expressing gratitude for both the highs and lows, Griffin thanked his family, fans, teammates, and coaches in his retirement announcement, acknowledging the challenges, lessons, and detractors he encountered along the way.
