Blake Griffin’s hilarious explanation for his dunking ability steals the show on New Heights

It didn’t take long for Blake Griffin to remind everyone why he was one of the most entertaining personalities and athletes of his era.

Appearing on the popular New Heights podcast with Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce, the former No. 1 overall pick delivered a moment that quickly stood out, mixing humor with the kind of self-awareness fans have come to expect from him.

When asked the age-old question, how he learned to jump so high, Griffin didn’t hesitate.

“I got to be honest, man. Having a black dad helps,” he said.

The deadpan delivery immediately set the tone for a lighthearted exchange, especially as the conversation followed Kelce detailing his own failed attempt to dunk.

Jason Kelce’s dunk attempt ends in injury

Before Griffin even had a chance to break down his athleticism, Kelce shared a story that underscored just how difficult dunking actually is, particularly for those who didn’t make a career out of it.

“I tore my quad,” Kelce admitted, explaining how he had been experimenting with heavy lifting and explosive jump training in hopes of finally dunking.

The former NFL star described a regimen of heavy quarter squats followed by box jumps, saying he had improved his vertical leap before suffering the injury during a workout.

Griffin’s response made it clear that his own path to elite leaping ability was… a bit simpler.

“No, man, I just jumped,” he said.

A reminder of Griffin’s effortless explosiveness

The exchange highlighted what made Griffin such a unique player during his NBA career. At his peak, he was redefining what was possible at his position. From poster dunks to his famous leap over a car during the Slam Dunk Contest, Griffin’s athleticism often looked effortless.

And while Kelce searched for technical answers, even referencing concepts like the “penultimate step”, Griffin’s explanation leaned into natural ability over mechanics.

Still close to the game, just in a different role

Now retired, Griffin is enjoying a new chapter in basketball as part of the media world, recently stepping into a broadcasting role covering the NBA.

“It’s been awesome, man,” he said. “I get to sit in a room and watch the games… and talk.”

He added that part of his motivation is helping fans better understand the game from a player’s perspective.

“Just trying to educate fans to sort of see the game… through the way we see it has been a blast.”

Griffin on today’s NBA: faster, more skilled, and more demanding

Beyond the jokes, Griffin also offered thoughtful insight into how the modern NBA has evolved. According to him, today’s game is defined by spacing and versatility, with nearly every player on the floor capable of shooting and handling the ball.

“Now centers shoot threes… everybody can handle the ball to a certain extent,” Griffin explained.

That evolution, he noted, has changed not only how teams play offensively but also the physical demands placed on players.

“There is so much more movement and so much more dynamic movements,” he said, suggesting that could be a factor in the increase in injuries around the league.

High praise for the NBA’s next generation

Griffin also highlighted several young stars he believes are shaping the league’s future, pointing to the combination of established legends and emerging talent as a sign the NBA is in a strong place.

He specifically mentioned Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham as players he enjoys watching, calling the current moment “a great moment” for the sport.

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