Blake Griffin
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Blake Griffin (born March 16, 1989) is an American former NBA star, known for his explosive athleticism, “Lob City” era with the Clippers, multiple All-Star selections, and transition into media and business after retirement.
Introduction
Blake Austin Griffin (born March 16, 1989) is a celebrated American basketball player whose athleticism, highlight dunks, and all-around skills made him one of the NBA’s most exciting stars. Over a 14-season career, he earned multiple All-Star honors, All-NBA selections, and provided fans with electrifying plays. In 2024, he announced his retirement, moving into roles in media, broadcasting, and business.
In this article, we’ll explore Griffin’s origin story, rise in college and the pros, highlights and challenges, his evolving identity beyond basketball, and the lessons his journey offers.
Early Life and Family
Blake Griffin was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to parents Tommy and Gail Griffin.
Blake is one of five children, and his older brother Taylor Griffin also played professional basketball.
Growing up, Blake played multiple sports. Before settling on basketball, he also played baseball and football. Sam Bradford, the future NFL quarterback, because Bradford’s father owned a gym where Blake and Taylor trained and played basketball.
Youth, High School & College
High School Achievements
Blake, along with his brother and under the guidance of his father, attended Oklahoma Christian School in Edmond, Oklahoma.
In his junior and senior seasons, Blake was dominant: he averaged high scoring, rebounding, and defensive stats, often leading his team to titles and earning MVP honors in tournaments.
College Success at Oklahoma
Blake enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, playing for the Oklahoma Sooners from 2007 to 2009.
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In his freshman year (2007–2008), he averaged ~14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
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In his sophomore year (2008–2009), Griffin exploded onto the national stage. He averaged a dominant stat line, including several 20+ point, 20+ rebound games — even two consecutive games of 20+ points and 20+ rebounds.
After his sophomore year, Griffin declared for the NBA Draft.
Professional Career & Achievements
Draft and Early Setback
In the 2009 NBA Draft, Blake Griffin was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Rookie Season & “Lob City” Era
In his first active season (2010–11), Griffin made an immediate impact:
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He averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
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He became NBA Rookie of the Year and was unanimously selected to the All-Rookie First Team.
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He won the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest, notably dunking over a car.
Over the next years, Griffin and his teammates (such as Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan) formed the core of the Clippers’ “Lob City” era—a high-flying, fast-break, alley-oop style of offense that became a fan favorite.
He was selected to multiple All-Star teams and earned All-NBA honors multiple times.
Later Career Moves & Trades
In January 2018, Griffin was traded from the Clippers to the Detroit Pistons.
In 2021, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets, where he served as a veteran presence. Then in September 2022, he signed with the Boston Celtics, joining them for his final season.
Retirement & Post-Playing Roles
On April 16, 2024, Blake Griffin officially announced his retirement from the NBA after 14 seasons.
Soon after, in January 2025, it was announced that Blake would join Prime Video’s NBA coverage as a studio analyst, alongside Dirk Nowitzki and host Taylor Rooks.
He is also increasingly involved in business and investment ventures, including stakes in companies like SpaceX, Lemon Perfect, and others.
Style, Strengths & Challenges
Athleticism & Inside Game
Griffin was known as a rare blend of power, agility, and finesse. Early in his career, he regularly executed thunderous dunks and rim-rattling alley-oops.
His rebounding ability, positional awareness, and ability to finish through contact were key assets.
Leadership & Role Evolution
As he matured, Blake accepted different roles—sometimes as a star, sometimes as a supporting veteran expecting to lead by example rather than pure volume scoring. His experience and reputation allowed him to mentor younger players and adapt his game to team needs.
Injury Struggles
Injuries were a recurring theme in Griffin’s career. The stress fracture that delayed his rookie debut was one early setback.
One notable incident: in 2016, Griffin punched a team staff member in a dispute (he later apologized), which led to injury to his hand and a suspension.
Despite these challenges, he remained resilient and reinvented his style multiple times.
Legacy & Influence
Blake Griffin’s legacy in basketball is multifaceted:
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Highlight Icon: He brought a sense of flair, athletic spectacle, and excitement—especially in the “Lob City” era—that helped grow fan engagement in the sport.
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All-Around Skill: He evolved from a dunking specialist into a more balanced frontcourt player—scoring, assisting, rebounding.
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Longevity & Adaptation: He navigated injuries and age by adjusting his role and style, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in a long career.
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Transition to Media & Business: His post-retirement path shows how athletes can remain influential beyond playing—through broadcasting, investments, and public presence.
His move into studio analysis and investments suggests he will continue to shape basketball’s narrative and business side in years to come.
Notable Quotes & Reflections
Here are a few lines and sentiments attributed to Blake Griffin:
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In his retirement announcement, he wrote:
“I’m thankful for every single moment — not just the good ones: the wins, the awards, the dunks, and the memorable moments … I'm equally thankful for the not-so-good moments: the losses, the injuries, the wayyyy too many surgeries, the lessons, the heartbreaks …”
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Regarding his dunking persona: he understood that the highlight plays garnered attention, but he also emphasized the substance behind the athleticism (passing, fundamentals) as essential to longevity. (Commentary in media)
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On transitioning to new roles post-basketball, he has spoken about embracing new challenges and evolving identity beyond just being an athlete. (Implied in his media and business involvement)
Lessons & Takeaways
From Blake Griffin’s journey, several lessons emerge for athletes, creators, or anyone pursuing a high-stakes career:
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Start strong, but evolve
Early success is valuable, but lasting careers often demand adaptation—adding new skills, adjusting to physical changes, embracing new roles. -
Resilience in adversity
Injuries and setbacks were integral parts of his story. The difference lies in recovery, reinvention, and persistence. -
Balance showmanship and substance
Griffin’s early highlight plays won attention, but he deepened his value by improving fundamentals, basketball IQ, and team play. -
Plan for what’s next
Even before his retirement, Griffin paved a path into media and business—showing that a legacy continues beyond stats and playing days. -
Gratitude and perspective
His retirement message underscores an important perspective: cherish both triumphs and trials, for both shape growth.
Conclusion
Blake Griffin’s basketball career was a blend of athletic brilliance, dramatic highs, and steady evolution. From a dynamic dunker to a well-rounded veteran—and now to a media voice and investor—his trajectory underscores the multiplicity of identity an athlete can embody.
His legacy is more than points and rebounds: it includes how he dealt with adversity, adapted his game, and prepared for life after basketball. As he transitions into new chapters, Griffin remains a compelling example of ambition, reinvention, and gratitude.
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