Veteran NBA forward Blake Griffin just announced his retirement from basketball today, April 16, 2024. Taking to Instagram, Griffin shared the news with his 3.8 million followers.
Blake Griffin’s NBA Career: Overview
Blake Griffin had a successful and exciting 13-year career in the NBA.
Early Career and Rookie Stardom:
- Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009.
- Played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma, where he was named National College Player of the Year.
- Won Rookie of the Year in 2011, becoming the first unanimous winner since David Robinson in 1990.
- Led all rookies in points, rebounds, and double-doubles during his rookie season.
Los Angeles Clippers (2010-2018):
- Earned six NBA All-Star selections during his time with the Clippers.
- Became a fan favorite for his high-flying dunks and athleticism.
- Formed a formidable duo with Clippers teammate Chris Paul.
- The Clippers never quite reached the NBA Finals despite Griffin’s talent.
Later Career (2018-2022):
- Traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018.
- Continued to be a productive player but battled injuries.
- Played for the Brooklyn Nets (2021) and Boston Celtics (2022) in his final seasons.
Blake Griffin’s NBA Career Injuries
- Preseason Injury (2009): Drafted first overall in 2009, Griffin missed his entire rookie season due to a stress fracture in his right knee suffered during a preseason game. This was a major setback for the highly anticipated prospect.
- Recurring Knee Issues: Throughout his career, particularly later on with the Detroit Pistons (2018-2021), Griffin battled various knee problems. This included multiple surgeries on his left knee, impacting his mobility and explosiveness.
- Other Injuries: While knee issues were the most significant, Griffin also dealt with occasional ankle sprains, concussions, and other minor setbacks.
Blake Griffin’s Career Earnings
Blake Griffin amassed a large fortune during his NBA career.
NBA Salary: Over his 14 seasons, Blake Griffin’s total NBA salary is estimated to be around $261 million according to HoopsHype.
Largest Contract: His biggest payday came with a five-year, $171 million deal signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2017.
Endorsement Deals: On top of his NBA salary, Griffin also secured endorsement deals with various brands like Subway, AT&T, KIA, and NBA 2K, further increasing his total earnings.
