On Monday, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced 21 finalists for the Class of 2026. One of the top names among the pack is Blake Griffin.
Over his 13-year NBA career, Griffin played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics. He averaged 19.0 points and 8.0 rebounds over 765 career games.
Griffin is best known for his time with the Clippers, as he is positioned in the top five for most points, rebounds, and assists in the franchise’s history. He was also considered one of the greatest rookies of all time, averaging 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds over 82 games.
Since retiring, the 36-year-old has worked as a studio analyst for Amazon Prime Video’s NBA coverage. He also continues to make television appearances in other media, most recently voicing himself in a 2025 episode of The Simpsons.
Blake Griffin’s Career
Griffin was selected by the Clippers with the first pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. He missed the entirety of the 2009–2010 season due to injury but quickly rose in prominence the following year, earning an All-Star selection and winning the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest.
The majority of Griffin’s career success came throughout the 2010s, teaming with Chris Paul in Los Angeles. The dynamic duo made six consecutive playoff appearances with the Clippers, including Western Conference Semifinals appearances in 2014 and 2015.
Griffin was traded to the Pistons in 2018. The next season, the six-time All-Star averaged a career-high 24.5 points per game and led Detroit to its second playoff appearance in nearly a decade.
After 2020, Griffin’s productivity declined from season to season due to ongoing knee issues. He was utilized as a rotational player for the Nets and Celtics before announcing his retirement from basketball.
Overall, the five-time All-NBA Team selection was a dominant force of his generation. His resume makes him a top choice as a finalist, taking into account his immediate impact on the league and the quick turnaround of the Clippers into a consistent title competitor.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s 24-member Honors Committee will soon vote on the official members of the upcoming class. The results will be revealed on April 4.
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