Blake Griffin
The explosive force who turned the Clippers into a Western Conference contender and defined a new era of LA basketball.
Blake Griffin is a defining figure in the history of the Los Angeles Clippers, selected first overall by the team in the 2009 NBA draft. He primarily played with the Clippers, becoming a six-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection during his career. After missing his entire rookie season due to a broken left kneecap suffered in the final pre-season game of 2009, Griffin made his NBA debut the following season, winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and being named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He is widely regarded as one of the best slam dunkers of all time.
- Role
- Power Forward / Center
- Affiliation
- Los Angeles Clippers (2009–2018)
- All-Star Selections
- 6-time NBA All-Star
- Status
- Former Player / Franchise Icon
Lore & Background
Before Blake Griffin, the Clippers were often referred to as the 'Clipperless' or a joke in Los Angeles, overshadowed by their cross-town rivals. Griffin's arrival in 2009, following his spectacular dunk contest victory despite playing only one season of college basketball due to injury, signaled a turning point. He brought a level of excitement and physical dominance that had been missing for decades. His ability to finish at the rim with acrobatic flair drew crowds back into the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) and created a passionate new generation of fans who finally felt they belonged.
In Their Own Story
The arena buzzed with an electric tension as the clock wound down in the fourth quarter of a packed Staples Center game. Blake Griffin caught the high pass near the baseline, his eyes locking onto the rim. With defenders closing in from all sides, he launched himself into the air, twisting his body mid-flight to absorb contact before slamming the ball through the hoop with thunderous force. The crowd erupted, a roar that vibrated through the floorboards, as Griffin landed and pointed skyward—a moment of pure gravity-defying magic that reminded everyone why they fell in love with this team.
Reader's Guide
Blake Griffin's tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers spanned from 2009 until January 2018, when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. He quickly established himself as a cornerstone player, earning six All-Star selections and five All-NBA selections during his career. Griffin's versatility allowed him to play both power forward and center, making him an integral part of the team's offensive systems. Beyond statistics, Griffin's impact on the franchise identity was profound. His departure in 2018 marked the end of an era, but his legacy remains as the player who finally gave Los Angeles fans something to genuinely cheer for.
Did You Know?
- Griffin was selected first overall by the Clippers in the 2009 NBA draft, not second overall.
- He missed his entire rookie season (2009–10) after breaking his left kneecap during the final pre-season game.
- Griffin won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and was named NBA Rookie of the Year in his debut season.
- He is widely regarded as one of the best slam dunkers of all time, according to the source.
- Griffin played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he was named the consensus national college player of the year as a sophomore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Blake Griffin?
Drafted second overall in 2009, he served as a power forward and became the franchise's first true superstar during his nine-year tenure from 2009 to 2018.
What were his primary skills on the court?
Griffin was known for an explosive playing style that combined elite athleticism with high-flying dunks, often operating as a power forward or center to dominate the paint.
Why is he considered a Clippers legend?
He transformed the team culture by ending long stretches of average performance, establishing the Clippers as consistent contenders within the competitive Western Conference.
What are his key accolades with Los Angeles?
He earned four NBA All-Star selections while wearing the Clippers jersey and led the team to its first-ever Pacific Division title in the 2013-14 season.
How does his story end with the franchise?
Griffin remained a defining figure until 2018, after which he departed but is still remembered as a transformative force who reshaped the identity of professional basketball in Los Angeles.