Blake Griffin formally announced his retirement from basketball Tuesday morning, making a put up on social media as he mirrored on his 13-year profession. Griffin posted on each Instagram and X (previously often called Twitter), the place he expressed his gratitude for with the ability to play basketball on the highest stage, whereas additionally thanking his household and agent who helped him alongside the way in which.
“I by no means envisioned myself because the man who would have a ‘letter to basketball’ retirement announcement…and I am nonetheless not going to be that man. However as I mirrored on my profession, the one feeling I saved coming again to and the one factor wished to specific was thankfulness.
“I am grateful for each single second — not simply the nice ones: the wins, the awards, the dunks, and the memorable instances spent with household, pals, followers, teammates, and coaches. I might proceed on concerning the folks in my life who’ve contributed immensely to my profession, however on this brief non-letter, I’ve to acknowledge my dad and mom, Tommy and Gail, and my brother, Taylor, for his or her unconditional assist and steerage. Lastly, my agent Sam Goldfeder, who has been a steadfast voice of motive and my wartime consigliere — thanks.”
Griffin was drafted No. 1 general within the 2009 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, however did not play his rookie season till the next yr attributable to a stress fracture he suffered in his knee in L.A.’s ultimate preseason sport. When Griffin returned wholesome for the 2010-11 season, he instantly made an impression, averaging 22.5 factors, 12.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and taking pictures 50.6% from the sector. He earned Rookie of the Yr honors in 2011 and was additionally named an All-Star, changing into the primary rookie to earn that honor since Yao Ming did it in 2003. He was additionally the primary rookie voted to the All-Star squad as a reserve since Tim Duncan in 1998. Griffin additionally gained the Dunk Contest throughout the 2011 All-Star Weekend, exhibiting off what could be a protracted profession full of otherworldly athleticism.
Within the eight seasons Griffin performed with the Clippers, he was an All-Star 5 instances, earned All-NBA honors 4 instances, and completed within the top-3 of MVP votes as soon as. He was on the core of the Clippers’ electrifying “Lob Metropolis” rosters within the mid-2010s, which additionally featured Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, Jordan Clarkson and JJ Redick. These groups constantly made the postseason, and whereas they by no means gained a championship, it was actually probably the most memorable eras of Clippers basketball.
Griffin was traded to the Pistons throughout the 2017-18 season, and in three seasons with the crew, he continued to indicate that he could possibly be a dominant scorer and rebounder. He earned an All-Star nod with the Pistons and All-NBA Third Group honors throughout the 2018-19 season.
When wholesome, Griffin was probably the most dominant forwards throughout his period, and his elite athleticism was always on show. Nevertheless, accidents did zap away a few of these jaw-dropping dunks because the years went on, which Griffin was additionally grateful for in his retirement letter.
“I’m equally grateful for the not-so-good moments: the losses, the accidents, the way in which too many surgical procedures, the teachings, the heartbreaks, and it would not be sports activities retirement letter with out acknowledging the “haters.” All of those experiences made my 14 years within the league actually unforgettable, and I am unable to assist however to simply really feel grateful.”
Griffin ended his profession by enjoying two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets from 2020-22, adopted by a season with the Boston Celtics for the 2022-23 season. In his final season with the Celtics, he appeared in 41 video games and averaged 4.1 factors and three.8 rebounds.
“The sport of basketball has given me a lot on this life, and I would not change a factor. Final however actually not least, right here comes the compulsory ‘I am excited for my subsequent chapter’ half: simply kidding, I am executed.”
Previous to the NBA, Griffin had a standout collegiate profession at Oklahoma, the place he averaged 18.8 factors, 11.8 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists over two seasons. He was named Nationwide Participant of the Yr in 2009 and led Oklahoma to the Elite Eight in his sophomore season. In 2016, the Sooners retired Griffin’s No. 23 jersey.
