After not suiting up during the 2023-24 season, Blake Griffin announced his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday at age 35. Not counting his first season as a pro, which he missed because of injury, Griffin played 13 seasons in the league and made six All-Star teams and five All-NBA appearances.
The No. 1 pick of the 2009 draft, Griffin was key in transforming the LA Clippers from a punchline into a draw for superstars such as Chris Paul and, nearly a decade later, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Griffin evolved from a high-flying slam dunk champion to relying primarily on skill as he aged, after injuries sapped his once-remarkable athleticism. And Griffin finished his career as a role player on contending teams, falling short of winning a championship.
Name an NBA trend, from superteams to buyouts, and odds are Griffin was a part of it during his one-of-a-kind career. Let's examine Griffin's NBA legacy and investigate his chances of reaching the Basketball Hall of Fame despite modest career totals limited by his injuries and decision to prioritize winning over making money and accumulating stats late in his career.