Blake Griffin is a former NBA star and key figure in the rise of the LA Clippers. He has officially announced his retirement from basketball. Griffin is a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA team member who enjoyed a stellar career after being the first overall pick by the Clippers in 2009. His impact on the franchise was profound helping to elevate the Clippers to new heights and solidifying their place in the NBA landscape.
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Griffin’s Slam Dunk Contest Victory and Stardom
Blake Griffin increased the Clippers’ excitement and prominence during his time there. He played a key role in the ‘Lob City’ era forming one of basketball’s most electric combinations with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan. Griffin’s explosive athleticism as demonstrated during his legendary Slam Dunk Contest victory in 2011 helped him become a household figure. He appeared in national advertisements for businesses such as Kia and Nike.
Blake Griffin’s rookie season marked a turning moment for the Clippers. A contract with the Los Angeles Lakers fell through and his outstanding play inspired the organization to trade for Chris Paul. This relocation launched the Lob City period which gave the Clippers a national identity and resulted in prolonged success for the first time in the franchise’s history. Griffin had always planned to spend his entire career with the Clippers, a testament to his commitment to the team.
Blake Griffin Honored by Potential Clippers Jersey Retirement
On a recent episode of FanDuel’s Run It Back show Griffin was asked about the likelihood of the Clippers retiring his jersey. “It’s clearly a big honor. I wouldn’t turn it down. If it happens, that’s fantastic. “It’s a huge honor and I’d be grateful,” Griffin stated. His prospective jersey retirement would be a huge milestone for the Clippers as they have yet to retire a previous player’s jersey.
Griffin’s stats with the Clippers are outstanding. Over 504 regular-season games he averaged 21.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists. From 2011 to 2015 he was a five-time All-Star and made three All-NBA teams.
Playoff Struggles Despite Individual Success
Blake Griffin had a difficult time leading the Clippers to a lengthy postseason run regardless his individual success. They made the playoffs in each of his last six full seasons with the organization and had the first five 50-win seasons in franchise history. However, they were unable to proceed beyond the second round of the playoffs. The closest they came was in the 2015 NBA Playoffs when they led the Houston Rockets 3-1 in the Western Conference Semifinals but lost the series.
Griffin’s impact on the Clippers goes beyond his on-court achievements. His presence helped the team achieve respect and prominence in the NBA. The Clippers’ new Intuit Dome scheduled to open next season might serve as the ideal location to honor Griffin’s contributions to the team by retiring his jersey.
Blake Griffin’s impact with the Clippers is evident when looking back on his career. His ability to inject excitement and success into the franchise paved the way for the team’s future. As Griffin leaves the game the Clippers and their fans might look back on his time with the team with pride and thanks.
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Final Words
As the Clippers consider their first jersey retirement Griffin stands out as a worthy candidate. His services aided the Clippers’ transition from persistent underachievers to a team with a national identity and continuous success. Whether or not his jersey is retired, Blake Griffin’s legacy with the Los Angeles Clippers will live on honoring a player who gave his all for the team and left an indelible stamp on its history.