Blake Griffin Retires from NBA After 14-Season Career

Legendary high-flyer Blake Griffin took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce his retirement from the NBA, closing the book on a 14-year career spent shattering backboards and wowing fans with his aerial acrobatics. The 2009 first overall pick out of Oklahoma established himself as the face of the LA Clippers franchise early on, putting together a string of All-Star and All-NBA selections.

While injuries slowed him down at times, Griffin’s athleticism and tenacious rebounding made him a constant double-double threat. He famously won the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest by jumping over a Kia, showcasing the raw power and creativity that would become his calling card. Teaming up with Chris Paul took the Clippers to new heights as “Lob City,” reaching the playoffs in six straight seasons.

Changing Scenery

After nine seasons in LA, Blake Griffin was surprisingly traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018. He spent three seasons in Motown before joining the Brooklyn Nets in 2020. His final stop was the 2021-22 Boston Celtics, where he provided veteran leadership off the bench during their run to the NBA Finals. While injuries slowed his production in recent years, Griffin leaves an undeniable mark as one of the most thrilling players of his era.

At 35 years old, Griffin feels it’s the right time to step away. “I’m thankful for everything this game has given me,” he said in his retirement statement. “It was an incredible 14 years that I’ll never forget.” With his high-flying antics and relentless motor, Blake Griffin cemented his status as a fan favorite who brought the “wow” factor every night.