The six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin formally announced his retirement from professional basketball on April 16, 2024. Fans were left in wonder during his 13-year career, which was a rollercoaster of highs and lows and breathtaking moments.
A recent retirement announcement by Blake Griffin. Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) confirmed the news via Twitter:
“Six-time All-Star F Blake Griffin announced his retirement from the NBA on Instagram. Griffin – the Clippers’ No. 1 overall pick in 2009 out of Oklahoma – made second-team All-NBA three times, third-team All-NBA twice and won the 2011 Rookie of the Year award. Griffin played his final season with the Celtics a year ago.”
Six-time All-Star F Blake Griffin announced his retirement from the NBA on Instagram. Griffin – the Clippers’ No. 1 overall pick in 2009 out of Oklahoma – made second-team All-NBA three times, third-team All-NBA twice and won the 2011 Rookie of the Year award. Griffin played his… pic.twitter.com/uMkMLTvcDX
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2024
While injuries hampered him in his later years, Blake Griffin leaves behind a legacy of iconic dunks, highlight-reel plays, and a significant impact on the game.
Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009, Blake Griffin quickly became a fan favorite. His athleticism, explosiveness, and highlight-reel dunks were a perfect fit for the high-flying “Lob City” era alongside Chris Paul. Griffin’s thunderous dunks on opponents and his gravity-defying alley-oop catches with Paul captivated audiences and redefined what was possible above the rim.
Griffin’s impact was immediate. He averaged a then-rookie record of 21.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, earning the 2011 Rookie of the Year award. His combination of power and finesse made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
Griffin’s talent wasn’t a flash in the pan. He earned six All-Star selections throughout his career, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in his prime. His second and third-team All-NBA selections solidified his status as one of the league’s elite power forwards.
Beyond the Dunks: A Skilled All-Around Player
While his dunks were iconic, Griffin’s skillset went beyond highlight plays. He developed a reliable mid-range jumper, improved his passing ability, and even showcased a respectable three-point shot later in his career. His well-rounded game made him a versatile threat on the court.
Griffin’s career was unfortunately marred by injuries. Several significant knee issues hampered his mobility and explosiveness in his later years. Despite these setbacks, he displayed remarkable resilience, battling back to contribute on the court whenever possible.
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