Through his Instagram account, Blake Griffin has announced his retirement from basketball at the age of 35. The interior who played his last game in the Boston Celtics uniform in the 2023 playoffs against Atlanta has published a statement in which he says goodbye to the NBA. “I didn’t think he was going to be a ‘letter to basketball’ guy, but on reflection, I want to be grateful,” Griffin begins.
Griffin says goodbye to the NBA after a 14-year career in which he was chosen number one in the 2009 Draft, Rookie of the Year, six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA and winner of the dunk contest. Injuries put an end to his career in the final stretch, where he played for ring contenders signing contracts for the minimum.
His most remembered period will always be that of the Los Angeles Clippers and the Lob City that he founded together with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan. But it is also worth highlighting his time with the Detroit Pistons, where he collected his last All-Star and All-NBA title. Later he spent a season and a half with the Brooklyn Nets with a declining role and ended up being part of the Celtics’ bottom rotation. Like Rajon Rondo or Carmelo Anthony, Griffin announces his goodbye when it was practically taken for granted.
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Full statement
I never saw myself as the guy who would write a ‘letter to basketball’ to announce his retirement… And I’m not going to be that guy. But reflecting on my career, the idea I end up coming to and what I want to express is gratitude.
I am grateful for each and every moment. Not just the good ones: the victories, the awards, the dunks and the memorable moments with family, friends, fans, teammates and coaches. I could go on and on about the people who have contributed immensely to my career. But in this short ‘non-letter’ I have to remember my parents. Tommy and Gail and my brother Taylor for their unwavering support and guidance. Finally, to my agent Sam Goldfeder, who has been the voice of reason and my best advisor in times of war, thank you.
I am equally grateful for the not-so-good moments: the defeats, the injuries, the looooong operations, the lessons, the disappointments, and it wouldn’t be a retirement letter without remembering the haters. All of those experiences made my 14 years in the league truly unforgettable and I can’t do anything but feel grateful.
Basketball has given me a lot in this life and I wouldn’t change a thing. Last but not least the obligatory ‘I’m excited for my next chapter’. Just kidding, I’m done
Gracias
Wait, am I that guy?
(Cover photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
2024-04-16 16:18:02
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