What Happened to Blake Austin Griffin?

Blake Griffin's NBA journey began with immense hype as the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. After missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, he burst onto the scene in 2010-11, earning Rookie of the Year honors and winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest with his electrifying athleticism. Alongside Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, Griffin became the face of the 'Lob City' Clippers, a team known for its highlight-reel dunks and exciting style of play, which revitalized the franchise. During his tenure with the Clippers, he was a five-time All-NBA selection and a six-time All-Star, showcasing a powerful inside game and developing his passing abilities.

As injuries began to accumulate, particularly to his knees, Griffin's high-flying style evolved. In January 2018, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, a move that marked a significant turning point in his career. In Detroit, he reinvented his game, developing a more reliable three-point shot and becoming a primary playmaker, which led to his sixth All-Star selection in the 2018-19 season where he averaged a career-high 24.5 points per game. However, further knee surgeries hampered his time with the Pistons, and he was eventually bought out in March 2021.

He then had stints with the Brooklyn Nets (2021-2022) and the Boston Celtics (2022-2023), primarily serving as a veteran presence and role player. Griffin played his last NBA game on April 25, 2023, with the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. On April 16, 2024, at the age of 35, Griffin officially announced his retirement from professional basketball via a heartfelt social media post, expressing gratitude for his 14-year career, including the good moments, the injuries, and the lessons learned.

Since stepping away from playing, Griffin has quickly transitioned into a successful media career. Initially hesitant about broadcasting, he was approached by several networks. After discussions with former teammates and considering his desire for an authentic and optimistic approach to analysis, he joined Amazon Prime Video as a studio analyst for their NBA coverage, which commenced in the 2025-26 season. He has already established himself as a breakout media star, known for his sharp basketball intelligence and humor. Adding to his post-playing accolades, Blake Griffin was named a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on March 22, 2026, with the induction announcement set for April 4, 2026, and enshrinement ceremonies scheduled for August 14-16, 2026.