After a successful 14-year career in the NBA, Blake Griffin announced his retirement on Tuesday. During his time in the league, he achieved six All-Star selections and won Rookie of the Year honors. In addition to that, he even took home a dunk contest victory.
Griffin was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009, but faced adversity early on with a knee injury that kept him out of his first season. However, he bounced back and was named the Rookie of the Year in 2011, showcasing his skills in the All-Star Game dunk contest. Alongside teammates Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, Griffin’s electrifying dunks and plays helped revitalize the Clippers franchise, earning them the nickname “Lob City.”
As Griffin’s athleticism declined and injuries began to take a toll, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons during the 2018 season. Despite these challenges, he adapted his game to incorporate a reliable 3-point shot and earned his sixth All-Star Game selection in the 2018-19 season. He averaged 24.5 points and 7.5 rebounds that season. Griffin also had stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics before ultimately deciding to retire.
Throughout his career, Griffin averaged 19.0 points and 8.0 rebounds. He finished third in MVP voting in the 2013-14 season, behind Kevin Durant and LeBron James