Although LA Clipper fans have had the pleasure of witnessing countless all-time greats, the most iconic must simmer to the former first overall pick, Blake Griffin. He was considered a generational superstar since high school in Oklahoma and evolved superbly at the highest structure of basketball.
Despite an injury in 2009, Griffin gave Clipper fans a reason to cheer in a city dominated by NBA legend Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Years passed, and the former Oklahoma Sooner rose as a top-five talent. He won Rookie of the Year and was selected to five all-star rosters and five all-NBA teams in his first five seasons as a professional.
In fact, Griffin formed a near-superteam with franchise greats Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, and JJ Redick. Though they never brought home a banner, these four turned the Clippers into a big market team.
In 2017-18, Griffin played his final season with the Clippers. Before being traded to Detroit, he put the team on his back with 22.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
Through his first full season with the Pistons, Griffin played 75 games and took the city to the postseason. He also made the final all-star roster and all-NBA team of his career.
Now, as a retired star, Griffin joined the ‘7PM in Brooklyn’ podcast to reflect on his NBA career.
Former LA Clipper Blake Griffin reveals his mindset on being shipped to Detroit at the 2018 trade deadline.
After signing a five-year, $171 million deal with the LA Clippers in 2017, the front office concluded it was best to trade Blake Griffin at the deadline. This was tragic news, as Griffin had been heavily favored by fans since his draft day in 2009.
Moreover, Griffin was recently seen on the ‘7PM in Brooklyn’ podcast explaining what it was like being traded from the Clippers to Detroit.
Griffin stated, “It was a very defining moment for me and my career. To be away from that and show people I’m playing 75 games, as much as I possibly can. I’m playing as hard as I can. I’m trying to take that team to the playoffs.”
Blake Griffin on being traded from the Clippers to Detroit Pistons:
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 9, 2025
“My first true free agency where I had a decision, I chose to go back to the Clippers. Six months later I was in Detroit… It was a very defining moment for me and my career. To be away from that and show people… pic.twitter.com/0spKl9grew
The six-time all-star mentioned the leadership skills he learned in Detroit and how he embraced the obstacle of taking the Pistons to the postseason as the main option. These were pivotal moments as an aging veteran, and Griffin added, “I wouldn’t change anything if I had to do it again.”
The transition from LA to Detroit was not easy, but Griffin did his best to make the most of what was around him. This explains why he is highly regarded by multiple fan bases around the NBA.