As the NBA training camp ends and the preseason begins, the usual transactions involve allocating player rights to the team’s G League affiliate or cutting any residual offseason excess. It is rare to see any rotation-affecting signings at this point.
However, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Boston Celtics signed former All-Star Blake Griffin, previously of the Brooklyn Nets, to a one-year deal.
With injuries to Danilo Gallinari and Robert Williams, What Happened To Blake Griffin? The Celtics can choose Griffin for a nuanced impact on their team?
The Beginning: High School and College
Blake Griffin’s basketball journey began in high school, where he played under his father, head coach Tommy Griffin, at Oklahoma Christian School. During his time there, Griffin won four high school state titles.
His talent led him to the University of Oklahoma, where he joined the Oklahoma Sooners and played two seasons of college basketball before entering the 2009 NBA draft.
The NBA Draft and Summer League Stardom
In 2009-10, three teams vied for Griffin as the number one pick: the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Clippers secured the number one spot and chose Griffin. During the NBA Summer League, Griffin wowed everyone with an explosive windmill dunk, leaving a lasting impression on fans, players, and coaches alike.
Work Ethic and Early Success
Griffin’s dedication to the game was apparent from the start. In his first NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers, he scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
Fans like Ethan Terry, a junior SPASH student, praised Griffin’s game, stating that he was an underrated player with an unshakeable confidence in his ability to dunk on anyone, regardless of height.
The Elusive MVP Award
Griffin’s career was marred by injuries, which prevented him from winning an MVP award.
Despite being in the top five of the MVP voting discussion, his injuries led to his career turning downward and becoming a bench player.
The Downfall: Injuries and Decline
Injuries have been the primary cause of Griffin’s career struggles. His aggressive, jump-heavy playing style resulted in numerous ankle and knee injuries that sidelined him for extended periods.
When he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, he only played 37 of 82 games due to a knee injury.
The Brooklyn Nets and Playoff Run
In 2021, Griffin joined the Brooklyn Nets as a starting power forward alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. They defeated the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs and faced the Milwaukee Bucks in the semi-finals.
Despite a valiant effort, they lost the series. In 2022, Griffin’s struggles on the court led coach Steve Nash to bench him for the rest of the preseason games.
The Rebirth: A New Chapter with the Boston Celtics
With Griffin’s signing to the Boston Celtics, there is hope that the former All-Star can regain some of his former glory. The Celtics believe Griffin can have a more nuanced impact on the court beyond his previously explosive playing style.
Only time will tell if this new chapter in Griffin’s career will allow him to rise again and reclaim his place among the NBA’s elite.
Conclusion
Blake Griffin’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Griffin’s journey has been nothing short of dramatic from his impressive start with the Los Angeles Clippers to his injury-plagued decline and recent struggles with the Brooklyn Nets.
With the Boston Celtics taking a chance on the former All-Star, fans eagerly await to see if Griffin can reinvent himself and make a meaningful impact on his new team.
Griffin’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination required to succeed in the highly competitive world of professional basketball.
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