“I by no means actually envisioned myself because the man who would have a ‘letter to basketball’ retirement announcement,” Griffin wrote. “And I’m nonetheless not going to be that man. However as I mirrored on my profession, the one feeling I saved coming again to and the one factor I needed to precise was thankfulness.
“I’m grateful for each single second — not simply the nice ones: the wins, the awards, the dunks, and the memorable occasions spent with household, associates, followers, teammates, and coaches.. I might proceed on concerning the individuals in my life who’ve contributed immensely to my profession, however on this quick non-letter, I’ve to acknowledge my dad and mom, Tommy and Gail, and my brother, Taylor, for his or her unconditional help and steerage. Lastly, my agent Sam Goldfeder, who has been a steadfast voice of cause and my wartime consigliere — thanks.
“I’m equally grateful for the not-so-good-moments: the losses, the accidents, the wayyyy too many surgical procedures, the teachings, the heartbreaks, and it wouldn’t be (a) sports activities retirement letter with out acknowledging the ‘haters.’ All of those experiences made my 14 years within the league really unforgettable, and I can’t assist however to simply really feel grateful.
“The sport of basketball has given me a lot on this life, and I wouldn’t change a factor. Final however definitely not least, right here comes the compulsory ‘I’m excited for my subsequent chapter’ half: simply kidding, I’m achieved.”
Chosen by the Clippers with the primary total choose within the 2009 draft after being named the nationwide faculty participant of the 12 months at Oklahoma, Griffin missed his first NBA season on account of a knee damage. Nevertheless, he exploded onto the scene in 2010-11, averaging 22.5 factors, 12.1 rebounds and three.8 assists per recreation en path to an All-Star berth, a Slam Dunk Contest title and a Rookie of the Yr award.
Griffin earned 4 extra All-Star nods as a member of the “Lob Metropolis” Clippers groups that loved a number of playoff appearances however might by no means break via to advance additional than the Western Convention semifinals.
After signing a five-year contract with the Clippers in 2017, Griffin was traded simply six months later to Detroit, the place he spent the following three years. He made his sixth and closing All-Star workforce for the Pistons in 2019, however accidents sapped him off his explosiveness in the course of the dwelling stretch of his profession. He was purchased out by the Pistons in 2021 and joined the Nets for the following season-and-a-half earlier than spending the 2022-23 season in Boston.
Celtics gamers tried to recruit Griffin to affix this season’s model of the workforce, however the 35-year-old ahead/middle opted to sit down out to spend extra time together with his household. Now he has determined to hold up his sneakers for good.
For his profession, Griffin averaged 19.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG and 4.0 APG in 765 whole common season contests (31.9 MPG). Along with his Rookie of the Yr award and 6 All-Star appearances, he made the All-NBA Second Staff three groups and the Third Staff twice.