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, most notably with the Los Angeles Clippers. A standout college player for the Oklahoma Sooners, he was the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft. Griffin earned six NBA All-Star selections and five All-NBA selections during his career. In 2018 he was traded to the Detroit Pistons and later played for the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics before retiring in 2023.
April 7, 2009: Declared for the NBA Draft
On April 7, 2009, Blake Griffin announced his decision to enter the NBA draft after his sophomore year, foregoing his remaining college eligibility.
2009: Drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers
In 2009, Blake Griffin was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA draft, starting his professional career.
November 11, 2010: Career-High 44 Points
On November 11, 2010, Blake Griffin scored a then career-high 44 points against the New York Knicks.
January 17, 2011: Career-High 47 Points
On January 17, 2011, Blake Griffin scored a career-high 47 points against the Indiana Pacers, also setting a Clippers franchise record for most points by a rookie.
March 23, 2011: First Career Triple-Double
On March 23, 2011, Blake Griffin recorded his first career triple-double in a game against the Washington Wizards.
2011: NBA All-Star and Rookie of the Year
In 2011, Blake Griffin was selected as an All-Star, won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, marking a successful debut season.
July 10, 2012: Contract Extension
On July 10, 2012, Blake Griffin signed a contract extension reportedly worth $95 million for 5 years.
2012: First Time All-Star Starter
In 2012, Blake Griffin was voted to play as a starter for the first time in the NBA All-Star Game.
2012: Playoff Appearance
In 2012, Griffin helped the Los Angeles Clippers make the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
March 6, 2013: Third Career Triple-Double
On March 6, 2013, Blake Griffin recorded his third career triple-double in a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
April 2, 2014: Division Title
On April 2, 2014, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul led the Los Angeles Clippers to a win over the Phoenix Suns to clinch 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 Golden State.
December 8, 2014: Scored Season-High 45 Points with Game-Winning Shot
On December 8, 2014, Blake Griffin scored a season-high 45 points, including the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, leading the Clippers to a 121–120 overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns and securing their eighth straight win.
November 5, 2016: Season-High Points in Win Against Spurs
On November 5, 2016, Blake Griffin scored a season-high 28 points in a 116–92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, contributing to the Clippers' 5–1 start to the season.
January 24, 2017: Return from Knee Surgery
On January 24, 2017, Blake Griffin returned to the court after minor knee surgery, scoring 12 points in a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers.
February 26, 2017: New Season High of 43 Points
On February 26, 2017, Blake Griffin achieved a new season high with 43 points in a 124–121 overtime win against the Charlotte Hornets.
July 19, 2017: Re-signed with Clippers
On July 19, 2017, Blake Griffin re-signed with the Clippers on 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, helping the Clippers end a nine-game losing streak with a win over the Atlanta Hawks.
January 2018: Traded to the Detroit Pistons
In January 2018, Blake Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons, marking a significant change in his NBA career.
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.
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.
February 15, 2021: Last Game for Pistons
On February 15, 2021, Blake Griffin played his last game for the Detroit Pistons, as he sought a trade or buyout from the team.
March 8, 2021: Signed with Brooklyn Nets
On March 8, 2021, Blake Griffin signed with the Brooklyn Nets.
March 2021: Signed with the Brooklyn Nets
In March 2021, Blake Griffin signed with the Brooklyn Nets, joining a new team in his NBA journey.
August 9, 2021: Re-Signed with Nets
On August 9, 2021, Blake Griffin re-signed with the Brooklyn Nets on a one-year deal.
September 2022: Signed with the Boston Celtics
In September 2022, Blake Griffin signed with the Boston Celtics, marking another transition in his professional basketball career.
September 30, 2022: Signed with Boston Celtics
On September 30, 2022, Blake Griffin signed a 1-year deal with the Boston Celtics for the veteran's minimum salary.
2023: Retirement
In 2023, Blake Griffin retired from professional basketball, concluding his career.
April 16, 2024: Retirement Announcement
On April 16, 2024, Blake Griffin announced his retirement from professional basketball.
