Blake Griffin announced his retirement Tuesday after a 14-year career that included six All-Star selections, Rookie of the Year honors, and a dunk contest victory.
Griffin said on social media that he’s “thankful for every single moment” of his career. The Los Angeles Clippers drafted him No. 1 overall from Oklahoma in 2009. After missing his first season with a knee injury, he won the All-Star Game dunk contest and was named Rookie of the Year in 2011.
Griffin was able to reinvent his game in Detroit with a reliable 3-point shot and was selected for his sixth All-Star Game in the 2018-19 season. He averaged 24.5 points and 7.5 rebounds that season.
Griffin, 35, also had stints in Brooklyn and Boston. He did not play in the 2023-24 season, but members of the Celtics held out hope that he would rejoin the team at some point.
Joe Mazzulla coached Griffin in his first year as an NBA head coach and was curious to know how it would be to coach a former No. 1 pick late in his career.
But Griffin was the consummate professional, and Mazzulla is grateful to coach him.
“I grew to love and respect him when we decided to go away from him, and he came in and pulled me aside and asked what he could do to get back and get better,” explained Mazzulla. “For a guy of his stature, his resume of his success and longevity, to come to a first-time coach and ask that said a lot about who he was.
“That was a moment I’ll never forget, and I’m grateful I got to be around him,” added Mazzulla.
Horford wants to see Griffin take his place in Springfield shortly.
“A Hall of Fame player with everything he accomplished,” said Horford. “He had an unbelievable career.”
Griffin averaged 19.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in his career. He finished third in MVP voting behind Kevin Durant and LeBron James in the 2013-14 season.
“All of these experiences made my 14 years in the league truly unforgettable, and I can’t help but feel thankful,” Blake Griffin stated.
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