Blake Griffin reveals which Cleveland Cavaliers star made him decide to retire

Griffin put together a solid 14-year NBA career. While he walked away from the game earlier than some expected, he still left a clear mark on the league. Early doubts about his game were quickly put to rest, as he proved that his skills went well beyond just his athletic ability.

As his athleticism began to fade, Blake managed to adjust his game and stay effective. During his time with the Detroit Pistons, he became more of a creator for both himself and others. Some even say this was his best version, but injuries took their toll and shifted him into a smaller role later in his career.

That shift became more obvious during Griffin’s final two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics. He accepted being a role player, but that period also made it clear that he was no longer at the level needed to compete in today’s NBA.

“I was playing in Boston, which was my last year. We were playing in Cleveland at the time. I check into the game with a couple of minutes left in the first quarter. Going up and down, guarding Evan Mobley. Jumper, come back down, hook, come back down, put-back, come back down. I was like (tired),” he explained.

“I was like, ‘What’s wrong with this guy?’ That’s kinda when I knew. I remember having that thought to myself on the free-throw line. This kid is a freak, or it’s time to hang it up, and I realized it then.”

Griffin knew Mobley was a problem before he became a star

At the time, Griffin was not sure if Mobley was just that much of a physical outlier or if he had simply lost a step. Looking back, it turned out to be a bit of both. He no longer had the burst to keep up with elite athletes, and Mobley’s physical gifts have always stood out.

Mobley is now known as one of the league’s top defenders. He has continued to build on that reputation while adding more consistency on offence. As Donovan Mitchell’s co-star in Cleveland, he has become an essential piece for the Cavs.

Back then, the California native was still finding his footing in the league. Now, he has established himself as one of Cleveland’s cornerstones and looks set to maintain that role for years to come.