Blake Griffin, once a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Clippers franchise, has been out of the spotlight for a while, but he recently made waves with a significant announcement. So, what’s the latest with the basketball star?
Griffin’s journey to NBA stardom began with his standout collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned acclaim as the Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year during his sophomore season. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA Draft, Griffin’s professional trajectory initially faced a setback due to injury. However, he quickly made up for lost time, delivering standout performances that earned him accolades such as Rookie of the Year and multiple All-Star selections.
During his tenure with the Clippers, Griffin played a pivotal role in transforming the franchise’s fortunes, leading them to their first divisional title and igniting a new era of success. Dubbed “Lob City” for their electrifying style of play, Griffin, alongside teammates like Chris Paul and Deandre Jordan, propelled the Clippers to multiple playoff appearances, breathing new life into a franchise long overshadowed by their city rivals, the Lakers.
However, Griffin’s tenure in Los Angeles eventually came to an end when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018. Subsequent stints with the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics followed, but injuries began to take a toll on his performance and limited his opportunities on the court.
After 14 years in the NBA, Griffin recently announced his retirement from professional basketball via social media. Despite his storied career, injuries and diminishing interest from teams ultimately led him to hang up his jersey for good. His last contract, a veteran minimum deal with the Celtics in 2022, marked the end of an era for the former All-Star.
But retirement doesn’t spell the end of Griffin’s ambitions. Teaming up with former NFL player Ryan Kalil, he has ventured into the world of production with their company, Mortal Media. Already securing a deal with Sony Pictures, Griffin has found success behind the scenes, serving as executive producer on projects like the White Men Can’t Jump remake and the upcoming Hello Tomorrow series for Apple TV+ and Hulu.
As Griffin embarks on this new chapter, his transition from athlete to producer holds promise for continued success in Hollywood. Having already left an indelible mark on the basketball court, he now seeks to make his mark in the world of entertainment, embracing new opportunities and challenges beyond the realm of sports.
