NBA Star Blake Griffin Announces Retirement After 13 Seasons

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ICARO Media Group
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16/04/2024 20h45

After a successful career spanning 13 seasons, six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin has officially announced his retirement at the age of 35. Griffin shared the news on Tuesday through a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude for every moment he experienced during his time in the league.

Selected by the LA Clippers as the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Griffin faced an unfortunate setback that delayed his debut until the 2010-11 season. A left kneecap injury during the final preseason game of the 2009-10 season sidelined him for the entirety of that year, forcing him to miss all 82 games.

However, Griffin bounced back strong in the following season and played every game, showcasing his talent and becoming a walking highlight reel. His outstanding performance led him to earn the 2011 Rookie of the Year award and secure his first All-Star selection. In his rookie season, Griffin averaged an impressive 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

For the first seven and a half seasons of his career, Griffin was a staple for the Clippers, playing a significant role in rebranding the team into the iconic "Lob City." During this time, he continued to be recognized as an All-Star player, receiving selections for five consecutive years.

In 2017-18, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he continued to make an impact on the court. Griffin's highest-scoring season occurred in 2018-19, where he averaged 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He also led the Pistons to the playoffs for only the second time since the 2008-09 season.

Griffin briefly played for the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics after his time with the Pistons. Throughout his career, which included 765 regular-season games and 68 postseason appearances, he maintained impressive averages of 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game.

While expressing his gratitude in his retirement statement, Griffin acknowledged that his journey wasn't without its challenges. He mentioned setbacks such as injuries and numerous surgeries, but emphasized that he was equally grateful for those experiences as they shaped him as a player and person.

As Blake Griffin bids farewell to professional basketball, his retirement marks the end of a remarkable career filled with highlights, accomplishments, and the impact he had on multiple teams throughout his journey. NBA fans will forever remember his incredible dunking ability, fierce competitiveness, and his contributions to the game.

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