What year was Blake Griffin drafted and what NBA teams did he play for?

All good things come to an end, they say, and today one of the stars of the NBA has announced that he will be retiring after 14 years on the court as a professional. Tuesday 16 April 2024 marks the day that basketball fans bid farewell to the celebrated athlete, Blake Griffin.

As the curtain closes on his illustrious and lucrative career, we take a retrospective glance at the journey of the player that had a huge following tracing back to his draft day and the teams he graced with his talent over the years.

When was Blake Griffin drafted?

Griffin’s journey to NBA stardom began with his selection in the 2009 NBA Draft. Born on 16 March 1989, in Oklahoma City, he showcased his basketball prowess early in his career while playing college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners. His outstanding performances caught the attention of scouts across the league, leading to his selection as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Which NBA teams did Blake Griffin play for?

Griffin’s tenure with the Clippers marked the beginning of an era defined by his electrifying dunks, remarkable athleticism, and versatile skill set. During his time with the Clippers, Griffin became a six-time NBA All-Star and earned numerous accolades, including Rookie of the Year honours in 2011. His partnership with fellow stars such as Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan propelled the Clippers to newfound success in the Western Conference.

In January 2018, Griffin embarked on a new chapter in his career when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Despite facing injury setbacks, Griffin continued to showcase his resilience and impact on the court. His tenure with the Pistons saw him evolve into a multifaceted player, displaying his proficiency in both scoring and playmaking.

Griffin’s journey took another turn in February 2021 when he joined the Brooklyn Nets, adding his veteran experience to a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. With the Nets, Griffin embraced a new role, contributing valuable minutes and playoff experience to the team’s championship aspirations.

Griffin’s farewell to the NBA

The former player took to social media to share his goodbye.

“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,” he wrote.

“I’m equally thankful for the not-so-good moments: the losses, the injuries, the wayyyy too many surgeries, the lessons, the heartbreaks, and it wouldn’t be sports retirement letter without acknowledging the ‘haters.’ All of these experiences made my 14 years in the league truly unforgettable, and I can’t help but to just feel thankful.”