Blake Griffin Announces Retirement after 14 NBA Seasons

2024

Former No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball after a stellar 14-year career in the NBA. The announcement came via a heartfelt post on Instagram where Griffin expressed his gratitude for the game and all the people who supported him throughout his journey.

Griffin, who was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, burst onto the scene in the 2010/11 season, averaging 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He quickly established himself as one of the league's most exciting and dynamic players, earning an All-Star berth, a Rookie of the Year award, and a Slam Dunk Contest title in his debut season.

Throughout his career, Griffin was known for his high-flying dunks and his ability to dominate in the paint. He earned six All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA Second Team three times and the Third Team twice. Griffin's time with the Clippers, where he was part of the "Lob City" era, was marked by several playoff appearances but no deep playoff runs.

In 2017, Griffin signed a five-year contract with the Clippers but was traded to the Detroit Pistons just six months later. He spent the next three seasons with the Pistons, earning his sixth All-Star nod in 2019. Griffin's tenure in Detroit was marred by injuries that limited his effectiveness on the court.

After being bought out by the Pistons in 2021, Griffin joined the Brooklyn Nets for a season-and-a-half before finishing his career with the Boston Celtics in the 2022/23 season. Despite being courted by the Celtics for another season, Griffin decided to retire to spend more time with his family.

Griffin's impact extended beyond the basketball court. He made appearances in television shows and movies, showcasing his comedic talents. He also engaged in philanthropic efforts, including fundraisers to fight childhood obesity and donations to support arena staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As he closes this chapter of his life, Griffin leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the most electrifying players of his generation. His contributions to the game and his impact on and off the court will be remembered by basketball fans worldwide. We wish Blake Griffin all the best in his future endeavors.