After a remarkable 14-year career in the NBA, Blake Griffin officially announced his retirement on Tuesday. The announcement came following a career filled with numerous accolades, including six All-Star selections, Rookie of the Year honors, and a memorable victory in the dunk contest.
Griffin, who was the top overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009 after a standout college career at Oklahoma, faced an early setback with a knee injury that sidelined him for his first season. However, he quickly bounced back and made a significant impact, earning the Rookie of the Year title in 2011 and showcasing his dunking prowess in the All-Star Game dunk contest.
Teaming up with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, Griffin played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Clippers franchise, earning them the moniker 'Lob City' due to their high-flying plays. Despite being traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018 as injuries took a toll on his athleticism, Griffin managed to adapt his game by developing a reliable 3-point shot and earning his sixth All-Star selection during the 2018-19 season.
Throughout his career, Griffin also had stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics before ultimately deciding to retire at the age of 35. His career averages of 19.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game reflect his consistent impact on the court. Notably, Griffin finished third in MVP voting in the 2013-14 season, trailing only Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
In a heartfelt social media post, Griffin expressed gratitude for every moment of his NBA journey, both the highs and the lows. He acknowledged the support of his family, friends, fans, teammates, and coaches, as well as the valuable lessons learned from challenges such as injuries and setbacks. Despite the inevitable obstacles faced along the way, Griffin emphasized that each experience contributed to making his 14-year career truly unforgettable.
As he bids farewell to professional basketball, Griffin's legacy as a dynamic and versatile player will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and peers alike, marking the end of an era in the NBA.
