Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) talks to a head coach Doc Rivers during the second half of an NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. The Grizzlies won 113-104 on Nov. 4, 2017.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame revealed the group of Finalists for its Class of 2026. Two of the 11 North American committee finalists were former Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin and former head coach Doc Rivers.
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Griffin earned the selection as a player, while Rivers was listed as a head coach but also played 13 seasons in the NBA including one season with the Clippers. In addition to Griffin and Rivers, the following nine players, coaches and referee were selected as North American committee finalists:
Amar’e Stoudemire [Player]
The Best Seasons of Griffin’s Career Were With the Clippers
Griffin played the first eight seasons of his career with Los Angeles before the Clippers traded him to the Detroit Pistons in 2018. He remains in the top five for most points, rebounds and assists in Clippers franchise history.
Most of Griffin’s success throughout his career came with the Clippers. Los Angeles drafted Griffin with the No. 1 overall pick in 2009, and he went to win the 2010-11 NBA Rookie of the Year Award unanimously after averaging 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds in 82 games.
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He became part of a star duo with Clippers legend Chris Paul. Together, the pair helped lead the Clippers to six consecutive playoff appearances, including two trips to the Western Conference Semifinals in 2014 and 2015.
After his stint with the Clippers, Griffin played for the Pistons, Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics. He retired from the NBA after the 2022-23 season with the Celtics.
Rivers Coached Griffin on Clippers For Five Seasons
Rivers is another finalist for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. He coached the Clippers for seven seasons from 2013-20. Rivers took over as head coach in the fourth season of Griffin’s career.
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He also coached the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks. Rivers won an NBA Championship (2007-08) and an Eastern Conference championship (2009-10) while coaching the Celtics.
Rivers put together a 356–208 regular-season record across seven seasons with the Clippers.
Nov. 4, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) talks to a head coach Doc Rivers during the second half of an NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. The Grizzlies won113-104. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
The Honors Committee will decide which finalists will be included in the Class of 2026. The new class of Hall of Famers will be announced on Saturday, April 4 during a live broadcast on ESPN2 at 9:00 am PST during Final Four Weekend.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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