Basketball
Blake Griffin Announces He’s Retiring From NBA
by privatebet.com - 2024/04/19
After almost 15 years in the NBA, Blake Griffin is ready to say goodbye. The six-time All-Star, who spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, shared an emotional statement announcing his retirement and thanked everyone who joined him on this journey. Griffin kicked off his NBA career with the Clippers after being picked first overall in the 2009 draft. His first season with the team was one for the books, and he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2011, in addition to being selected as an All-Star and winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Griffin went on to receive five All-Star selections during his time in Los Angeles, and one more as a member of the Detroit Pistons. He played a crucial role in ushering in the Clippers' "Lob City" era alongside DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul, under the leadership of Doc Rivers. He kept reaching new career heights after being traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018 but underwent two left knee surgeries during his final years with the team. He was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets and spent the final year of his career with the Boston Celtics on a veteran's minimum salary. After several rocky seasons plagued by injuries, Griffin eventually decided to call it a day and shared an emotional season announcing his retirement from professional basketball. “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… The game of basketball has given me so much in this life, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” wrote Griffin.