Blake Griffin retires high-flying NBA career

NBA star Blake Griffin retires after 14-year career with 6 All-Star selections, Rookie of the Year, and dunk contest victory.

NBA star Blake Griffin recently announced his retirement after a 14-year career filled with accomplishments, including six All-Star selections, Rookie of the Year honors, and a dunk contest victory. Griffin expressed his gratitude for every moment of his career in a heartfelt social media post.

Selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009, Griffin faced adversity early on with a knee injury that sidelined him for his first season. However, he bounced back to win Rookie of the Year in 2011 and claim victory in the All-Star Game dunk contest.

Teaming up with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, Griffin's electrifying plays helped rejuvenate the Clippers franchise, earning them the nickname "Lob City." Despite being traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018 due to declining athleticism and injuries, Griffin reinvented his game with a reliable 3-point shot and earned his sixth All-Star selection in the 2018-19 season.

Throughout his career, Griffin also had stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, averaging 19.0 points and 8.0 rebounds. He finished third in MVP voting in the 2013-14 season behind Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

In his retirement announcement, Griffin expressed gratitude for both the highs and lows of his career, acknowledging the support of his family, friends, fans, teammates, and coaches. Reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and lessons learned during his time in the league, Griffin closed his post with a sense of thankfulness for the journey.