Blake Griffin just announced his retirement from the NBA. The five-time All-NBA selection went to social media on Tuesday to reveal he’s calling his NBA career, saying “Basketball has given me so much in this life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“I never envisioned myself as the guy who would have a ‘letter to basketball’ retirement announcement…and I’m still not going to be that guy,” Griffin wrote in the social media post. “But as I reflected on my career, the one feeling I kept coming back to and the one thing I wanted to express was thankfulness.
“I’m thankful for every single moment – not just the good ones: the wins, the awards, the dunks, and the memorable times spent with family, friends, fans, teammates and coaches. I could continue on about the people in my life who have contributed immensely to my career, but in this short non-letter, I have to acknowledge my parents, Tommy and Gail, and my brother, Taylor for their unconditional support and guidance. Lastly, my agent Sam Goldfeder, who has been a steadfast voice of reason and my wartime consigliere – thank you.”
Griffin continued: “I am equally thankful for the not-so-good moments: the losses, the injuries, the wayyyy too many surgeries, the lessons, the heartbreaks, and it wouldn’t be sports retirement letter without acknowledging the ‘haters.’ All of these experiences made my 14 years in the league truly unforgettable, and I can’t help but to just feel thankful.”
Blake Griffin had a strong NBA career
Griffin played for the Boston Celtics last season and averaged 4.1 points per game in 41 games with 16 starts. He played for Boston on a one-year contract for the veteran minimum salary.
In 2009, Griffin was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft after having a standout career with the Oklahoma Sooners. He missed the 2009-10 season due to a broken left kneecap. Griffin returned to action for the 2010-11 season and was named Rookie of the Year in 2011 after averaging 22.5 points and 12. 1 rebounds per game.
Griffin played for the Clippers for early eight seasons before he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in January 2018. He was in Detroit until March 2021 before signing with the Brooklyn Nets. Griffin played for the Nets for the rest of the 2020-21 season and the entire 2021-22 season.
Along with being named Rookie of the Year in 2011 and an All-NBA player five times, Griffin was selected to the All-Star team six times and won the Slam Dunk Contest in 2011. While at Oklahoma, Griffin was a consensus All-American and named National College Player of the Year in 2009.
More must-reads: