After 14 seasons in the NBA, Blake Griffin, the high-flying forward known for his electrifying dunks and formidable presence on the court, has announced his retirement from professional basketball. The six-time All-Star and former Slam Dunk champion leaves behind a legacy marked by his impressive athleticism, versatility, and contributions to multiple teams throughout his illustrious career.
Griffin’s journey in the NBA began in 2009 when he was selected as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite missing his rookie season due to a knee injury, he quickly made his mark in the league, earning Rookie of the Year honors in his debut campaign.
Throughout eight-and-a-half seasons with the Clippers, Griffin became a cornerstone player known for his dominant performances and highlight-reel plays. He averaged 21.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game during his tenure with the Clippers.
Throughout his career, Griffin’s impact extended beyond his individual achievements on the court. He was revered for his sense of humor, engaging personality, and his ability to connect with fans both on and off the hardwood. His tenure with the Clippers saw him earn five All-Star selections and establish himself as one of the premier power forwards in the NBA.
In 2018, Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he continued to showcase his skills despite battling injuries that limited his availability in subsequent seasons. Despite the challenges, he remained a respected figure in the league, earning his sixth All-Star nod during his time with the Pistons and delivering standout performances on the court.
Griffin’s journey culminated with a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets before joining the Boston Celtics for his final NBA season in 2022-23. Though his role diminished towards the latter stages of his career, his impact on the game remained undeniable.
Even in limited minutes, Griffin continued to contribute to his teams, providing veteran leadership and valuable experience to his teammates. He concluded his career with averages of 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game over 765 regular-season appearances.
As he bids farewell to the NBA, Griffin expressed gratitude for the highs and lows of his career, acknowledging the unwavering support of his family, friends, fans, teammates, and coaches. His retirement marks the end of an era in professional basketball, but his legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike with his remarkable achievements and lasting impact on the game.
Blake Griffin Was The Greatest In-Game Dunker Of The 21st Century
In the realm of in-game dunking in the 21st century, few players have left a lasting impression quite like Blake Griffin. The former Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit Pistons star was not only known for his versatility, scoring ability, and physicality but also for his jaw-dropping athleticism and highlight-reel dunks. Griffin’s aerial displays captivated audiences and solidified his status as one of the greatest dunkers of his generation.
One of Griffin’s most iconic dunks came during his rookie season in 2011 when he soared over then-New York Knicks center Timofey Mozgov for a thunderous slam. The play, often referred to simply as “Mozgov,” showcased Griffin’s raw power and leaping ability as he posterized Mozgov with a ferocious one-handed jam.
The dunk instantly became a staple of highlight reels and established Griffin as a force to be reckoned with above the rim.
Another memorable moment in Griffin’s dunking repertoire occurred during the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he put on a show for the ages. In one of the most memorable dunks of the night, Griffin leaped over the hood of a Kia Optima—an iconic moment that showcased his creativity and showmanship. The dunk not only earned him a perfect score from the judges but also solidified his reputation as one of the premier dunkers in the league.
Throughout his career, Griffin continued to deliver spectacular dunks that left fans and opponents in awe. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism allowed him to dominate the airspace above the rim and produce highlight-worthy plays on a regular basis.
Whether it was posterizing defenders in traffic, throwing down alley-oop slams, or elevating for thunderous putback dunks, Griffin’s aerial assaults became must-see moments whenever he took the court.
One of Griffin’s most memorable dunks came in 2012 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, when he unleashed a vicious one-handed jam over then-Thunder center Kendrick Perkins. The dunk, often referred to as the “Perkins poster,” showcased Griffin’s ability to elevate over defenders and finish with authority.
The play instantly became a viral sensation and further cemented Griffin’s reputation as a dominant force in the paint.
In addition to his individual accolades, Griffin’s dunks often served as momentum-shifting moments for his teams. His ability to energize his teammates and ignite crowds with his high-flying exploits was a testament to his impact on the game beyond just scoring points.
Griffin’s dunks became synonymous with excitement and entertainment, earning him a place among the most electrifying players in NBA history.
Blake Griffin’s in-game dunking prowess solidifies his status as the greatest dunker of the 21st century. From his rookie season to his final years in the league, Griffin consistently dazzled fans with his gravity-defying feats above the rim.
Whether it was his posterizing dunks over defenders or his acrobatic finishes in traffic, Griffin’s aerial displays will be remembered as some of the most memorable moments in basketball history.
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