The basketball world is bidding a bittersweet farewell to one of the most dominant power forwards of his generation. Six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin has announced his retirement from professional basketball after 14 seasons in the league.
In a social media post released on Sunday, the 35-year-old cited the considerable wear and tear on his body over the years as the primary factor behind his decision to hang up his sneakers.
Blake Griffin Announced his retirement from the NBA
“My body just can’t do it anymore,” Griffin said. “I’ve given this game everything I have, and it’s time for the next chapter.”
Here is what he has written:
Fin pic.twitter.com/OCFAuAt0sl
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) April 16, 2024
“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,” he began his statement. “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 confidante, thank you.”
It’s a tough but understandable call for a player who has battled through a litany of major injuries throughout his illustrious career. But despite the setbacks, Griffin’s legacy as one of the most exciting and impactful big men of his era is firmly cemented.
Blake Griffin’s NBA Career
Selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA Draft, Griffin burst onto the scene as one of the league’s most electrifying young stars. In his prime, the 6’10” forward was a human highlight reel, using his explosive leaping ability and brute strength to punish opponents with thunderous, rim-shaking dunks that became the stuff of legend.
But Griffin’s game was far more than just highlight-worthy athleticism; he developed into a well-rounded offensive threat, able to score from the post, midrange, and even beyond the three-point line. His combination of size, skill, and intensity made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Griffin was selected to the NBA All-Star team six times, earned five All-NBA honors, and was named the 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Alongside Chris Paul, he helped transform the long-suffering Clippers into a perennial playoff contender in the early 2010s, captivating audiences with their high-flying, high-octane brand of basketball.
“Blake Griffin was a transformative player who left an indelible mark on the sport of basketball,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement. “His combination of power, skill, and athleticism made him a must-watch player for fans around the world. We’ll miss his unique blend of artistry and physicality on the court.”
Griffin’s career, however, was also characterized by a number of serious injuries that eventually took their toll. Knee, ankle, and back issues consistently sidelined him for significant stretches, limiting his availability and eroding some of his jaw-dropping athleticism over time.
Moreover, he found a bit of a career resurgence in 2021–22 with the Brooklyn Nets, providing a valuable veteran presence off the bench. But the cumulative wear and tear proved too much to overcome.
“It’s been an honor to play this game for as long as I have,” Griffin said in his retirement announcement. “I gave it my all every night, and I have no regrets. But my body just can’t do it anymore, and it’s time to move on to the next chapter.”
Final Words
His last on-court appearance was with the Celtics in 2023, and team members such as guards Peyton Pritchard and Derrick White had urged him to rejoin the team in a bench role. However, Griffin had expressed his desire to focus on being a full-time father, a decision that was respected by his former coach, Joe Mazzulla
Although his retirement may be a surprise to some, it is a testament to the physical demands and challenges of playing professional basketball. As Griffin moves on to the next chapter of his life, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the most entertaining and talented players in recent NBA history.
As Griffin moves on to the next chapter of his life, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the most entertaining and talented players in recent NBA history.
