Blake Griffin may not be headed to the Hall of Fame in the next five years, but many Boston Celtics fans loved having the first overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft on their team during his lone year in New England.
The former Rookie of the Year and Slam Dunk Contest winner spent the final year of his 13-year NBA career in Boston, where he played a part of the C’s rotation during the 2022-23 season. He called it a career before the C’s finally won their first championship since 2008.
It would have made sense for Griffin to stay one more year with the team if he wanted to chase for the championship. However, a recent interview revealed his reason for leaving a team close to winning the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Blake Griffin reveals worsened athletic ability as his top reason for retirement
Griffin talked about his final NBA season and whether he wanted to renew his contract with Boston to chase for a championship.
He clarified that he wanted to become a contributor to a championship team, but his health made him feel like it was time to call it a career.
Per Fadeaway World’s Ishaan Bhattacharya:
“I loved Boston. I love those guys. I was so happy for them when they won. Playing as an opponent there is one thing, all those people who are going crazy against you are now rocking with you.”
“I played in LA for the Clippers. I played in New York for the Nets. It’s a Lakers town. It’s a Knicks town. That was the first time I really played for a team where it was like, everybody in that city is rocking with you. I went out to dinner 10 times, no cheque, you know what I mean? In Boston, like I said, I’m playing every five games.”
Blake Griffin’s final year at the TD Garden was strange for those who got used to his high-flying days with the Lob City Clippers. He averaged 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists through 41 games.
While it may be fun to see Griffin celebrate the 2024 championship with the rest of the Celtics, he’s made peace with his career and is proud to leave such an impressive legacy behind him.
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