Blake Griffin is an NBA legend who called time on his 13-year career last season, forgoing a contract offer to return to the Boston Celtics for the greener pastures of retirement. The Celtics wanted Griffin on their roster for a championship push after the veteran left a positive impression on the locker room in the 2022-23 season.
Griffin appeared on Carmelo Anthony’s ‘7 PM In Brooklyn’ podcast and discussed the fantastic time he had in Boston, with it being the first team where he felt an entire city’s support.
“I loved Boston. I love those guys. I was so happy for them when they won. Playing as an opponent there is one thing, all those people who are going crazy against you are now rocking with you.”
“I played in LA for the Clippers. I played in New York for the Nets. It’s a Lakers town. It’s a Knicks town. That was the first time I really played for a team where it was like, everybody in that city is rocking with you. I went out to dinner 10 times, no cheque, you know what I mean? In Boston, like I said, I’m playing every five games.”
Griffin could have won an NBA Championship if he returned to the Celtics last season, as Boston wanted Griffin for the final roster spot for a season of contention. But with Blake’s career wearing down due to several injuries, he chose to step away from the game instead of signing a contract for a ring where he wouldn’t have to contribute.
“No, I thought about it. Man, I had nine surgeries in my career. Every surgery takes a little bit longer to get back from. My last one was, it was noticeable – I step on the court, I can’t do the things that I want to do. I can see it happening but I can’t do the things I want to do. It takes a toll.”
“That’s what I love doing the most in the world but when you can’t even do it at a fraction of the level you could do it at, it becomes harder. I can’t say I struggled with it but it was always on top of my mind. I just can’t play the game the same way I wanted to, and I always kind of thought in the back of my mind, once I get to that point, it’s time.”
Griffin averaged 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while with the Celtics. Teammates like Payton Prichard and Derrick White reportedly recruited Griffin to return to the team extensively last season but the forward refused as he wanted to retire.
His reasons seem very sound, as it was clear he didn’t want to take up a roster spot while knowing he couldn’t be the effective player he once was.
He retired as a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, with his longest Playoff run coming in 2023 with the Celtics as he made it to the Conference Finals. He’ll always be remembered for being a highlight-machine with the Los Angeles Clippers and one of the most entertaining players of the 2000s.
He will be a big name in NBA media going forward, as Griffin is going to be one of the faces of Amazon Prime’s NBA coverage next season alongside Dirk Nowitzki.
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