Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Blake Griffin

Discover the career path of Blake Griffin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Blake Griffin is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for his athleticism and impact on the NBA. He rose to prominence playing college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners, earning national player of the year honors. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009, Griffin became a six-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, electrifying fans with his highlight-reel dunks and all-around game. He was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018, later joining the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics before retiring in 2023. Griffin's career spanned several teams, cementing his status as a notable player of his era.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Clippers Make Playoffs

In 2012, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul helped lead the Los Angeles Clippers to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

April 7, 2009: Declared for NBA Draft

On April 7, 2009, Blake Griffin announced his decision to give up his final two years of eligibility and declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore year.

2009: Drafted by Los Angeles Clippers

In 2009, Blake Griffin was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA draft.

2010: "Dunking for Dollars" Fundraiser

In 2010, Blake Griffin started a fundraiser called "Dunking for Dollars", donating $100 for every dunk he made to fight childhood obesity. The Kia sedan he jumped over in the Slam Dunk Contest was donated for a charity auction on AutoTrader.com to benefit Stand Up to Cancer. Stand Up to Cancer also has a fund-raising site called "Team Blake" in honor of Griffin's friend Wilson Holloway.

2011: Endorsement Deals and Video Game Covers

In 2011, Panini America signed Blake Griffin to an exclusive long-term deal. Griffin was on the cover of NCAA Basketball 10 and NBA 2K13, and appeared in commercials for Kia Motors, Subway, Vizio, and GameFly.

July 10, 2012: Contract Extension

On July 10, 2012, Blake Griffin signed a contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly worth $95 million for 5 years.

2012: Pacific Division Title

In 2012, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 56–26 record as the Clippers won their first Pacific Division title in franchise history.

2012: Playoff Run and All-NBA Second Team Selection

In 2012, Blake Griffin helped the Clippers eliminate the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team for the first time.

April 2, 2014: Clippers Clinch Division Title

On April 2, 2014, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112–108 win over the Phoenix Suns, securing their second franchise division title.

April 21, 2014: Playoff Career-High

On April 21, 2014, Blake Griffin scored a playoff career-high 35 points in a win over the Golden State Warriors.

December 8, 2014: Season-High and Game-Winning Buzzer Beater

On December 8, 2014, Blake Griffin scored a season-high 45 points, including a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, in the Clippers' 121–120 overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns.

November 25, 2015: Season-High Points and Rebounds

On November 25, 2015, Blake Griffin recorded season-highs with 40 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to the Utah Jazz.

July 2016: Comedy Debut at Just for Laughs festival

In July 2016, Blake Griffin made his comedy debut hosting the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal.

November 5, 2016: Season-High Points and Clippers' Strong Start

On November 5, 2016, Blake Griffin scored a season-high 28 points in a 116–92 win over the San Antonio Spurs, helping the Clippers start the season 5–1.

2016: Acting Debut

In 2016, Blake Griffin made his acting debut in the Broad City episode "B&B-NYC" and appeared in The Whitney Cummings comedy The Female Brain.

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January 24, 2017: Returns to Action After Knee Surgery

On January 24, 2017, Blake Griffin returned to action, scoring 12 points in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, after recovering from minor surgery on his right knee.

February 26, 2017: New Season High in Points

On February 26, 2017, Blake Griffin set a new season high with 43 points in a 124–121 overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets.

July 19, 2017: Re-Signs with Clippers

On July 19, 2017, Blake Griffin re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers to a five-year, $173 million contract.

November 22, 2017: Triple-Double Performance

On November 22, 2017, Blake Griffin recorded 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 116–103 win over the Atlanta Hawks, helping the Clippers end a nine-game losing streak.

2017: Contract End

In 2012, Blake Griffin signed a contract extension to keep him under contract until the end of the 2017-18 season.

January 2018: Traded to Detroit Pistons

In January 2018, Blake Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons from the Los Angeles Clippers.

January 29, 2018: Traded to Detroit Pistons

On January 29, 2018, Blake Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons along with Willie Reed and Brice Johnson.

March 20, 2018: Near Triple-Double Performance

On March 20, 2018, Blake Griffin nearly achieved a triple-double with 26 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds in a 115–88 win over the Phoenix Suns.

October 23, 2018: Career-High 50 Points

On October 23, 2018, Blake Griffin scored a career-high 50 points, including the game-winning free throw, in a 133–132 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

2019: Pledge to Little Caesars Arena Staff

Blake Griffin pledged $100,000 to the staff of Little Caesars Arena who were unable to work during the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

2019: Appearance on Comedy Central Roast

In 2019, Blake Griffin appeared as a roaster in the Comedy Central Roast of Alec Baldwin.

March 13, 2020: Pledge to Little Caesars Arena Staff

On March 13, 2020, Blake Griffin pledged $100,000 to the staff of Little Caesars Arena who were unable to work during the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

October 1, 2020: Double Cross with Blake Griffin announcement

On October 1, 2020, it was announced that Blake Griffin would host and present Double Cross with Blake Griffin, a hidden camera television series.

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2020: Appearance on The Eric Andre Show

In 2020, Blake Griffin appeared on the 10th episode of season 5 of The Eric Andre Show alongside Stormy Daniels.

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February 15, 2021: Last Game for Pistons

On February 15, 2021, Blake Griffin played his last game for the Detroit Pistons as he was looking to be traded or bought out by the team.

March 8, 2021: Signed with Brooklyn Nets

On March 8, 2021, Blake Griffin signed with the Brooklyn Nets.

March 2021: Signed with Brooklyn Nets

In March 2021, Blake Griffin signed with the Brooklyn Nets.

March 19, 2021: Double Cross with Blake Griffin premiere

On March 19, 2021, Double Cross with Blake Griffin premiered on TruTV.

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August 9, 2021: Re-signed with the Nets

On August 9, 2021, Blake Griffin re-signed with the Brooklyn Nets on a one-year deal.

February 6, 2022: Season-High Points

On February 6, 2022, Blake Griffin scored a season-high 19 points in a 104–124 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

September 2022: Signed with Boston Celtics

In September 2022, Blake Griffin signed with the Boston Celtics.

September 30, 2022: Signed with the Boston Celtics

On September 30, 2022, Blake Griffin signed a 1-year deal with the Boston Celtics for the veteran's minimum salary and chose No. 91 in honor of Dennis Rodman.

April 16, 2024: Retirement Announcement

On April 16, 2024, Blake Griffin announced his retirement from professional basketball.

2025: The Simpsons Voice Acting Role

In 2025, Blake Griffin, along with Andrew Luck and Megan Rapinoe, voiced themselves in The Simpsons's "Full Heart, Empty Pool" episode, participating in Homer Simpson's "noodleball" tournament.

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2025: NBA on Prime Video panelist

Starting with the 2025–26 season, Blake Griffin is a panelist on NBA on Prime Video's studio coverage, along with host, Taylor Rooks, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Udonis Haslem.