Blake Griffin is an American former professional basketball player known for his explosive athleticism, highlight-reel dunks and All-Star-caliber production throughout the 2010s. Rising from a standout college career at Oklahoma to becoming one of the faces of the Los Angeles Clippers, Griffin helped launch the iconic “Lob City” era alongside Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan. Over the years, he evolved from a pure high-flyer into a skilled scorer, playmaker and veteran leader.
This biography explores Blake Griffin’s age, early life, college run, NBA journey, Clippers stardom, career challenges, personal life, net worth and long-term legacy.
Blake Griffin: Age, Birth & Basic Profile
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Full Name: Blake Austin Griffin
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Date of Birth: March 16, 1989
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Age: 35 years (as of 2024–2025)
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Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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Height: 6 ft 9 in
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Position: Power Forward
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NBA Teams:
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Los Angeles Clippers
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Detroit Pistons
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Brooklyn Nets
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Boston Celtics
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Early Life & Family Background
Blake Griffin was born to athletic parents. His father, Tommy Griffin, coached basketball, and his mother, Gail Griffin, homeschooled Blake and his brother Taylor during their early years.
Early Traits
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Exceptional coordination from a young age
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High-level athleticism
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Strong work ethic
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Natural feel for basketball fundamentals
Growing up in a basketball environment helped shape his future success.
High School Career
Blake Griffin starred at Oklahoma Christian School, coached by his father.
He won multiple state championships and became one of the nation’s top high school prospects.
⭐ High School Highlights
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McDonald’s All-American
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Multiple state titles
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Known for powerful dunks and dominance
His success made him one of the most highly recruited players in the country.
College Career at Oklahoma
Blake Griffin played two seasons at the University of Oklahoma, where he became a national sensation.
⭐ Freshman Season
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Immediate impact as a double-double machine
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Showed elite rebounding and power inside
⭐ Sophomore Season (Breakout)
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National Player of the Year (2009)
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Consensus All-American
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Led Oklahoma to the Elite Eight
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Averaged over 20 points and 14 rebounds
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Dominated with strength, explosiveness and skill
After a historic season, he declared for the NBA Draft.
2009 NBA Draft: No. 1 Overall Pick
Blake Griffin was selected 1st overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA Draft.
However, he missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury — but the wait was worth it.
2010–2011: Rookie of the Year & Instant Superstar
Griffin’s official rookie season was unforgettable.
⭐ Rookie Season Achievements
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NBA Rookie of the Year
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First rookie All-Star since Yao Ming
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Averaged 22.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG
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Completed one of the greatest dunk contests ever
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Quickly became one of the league’s biggest stars
His high-flying dunks made him the face of sports highlight reels.
Lob City Era: Clippers Become Contenders
The arrival of Chris Paul in 2011 created the legendary Lob City trio:
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Chris Paul (point guard leader)
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Blake Griffin (explosive finisher)
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DeAndre Jordan (elite rim protector)
⭐ Lob City Impact
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Clippers became a perennial playoff team
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Griffin earned multiple All-Star selections
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Highlight plays drew massive global attention
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Blake expanded his skill set (ball-handling, shooting, passing)
He matured from a pure dunker into a skilled power forward capable of running the offense.
Detroit Pistons: Reinvention as a Playmaker
In 2018, Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he showcased a new version of his game.
⭐ Detroit Highlights
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2019 All-NBA season
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Developed elite playmaking as a point-forward
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Improved 3-point shooting
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Led Pistons to the playoffs despite injuries
His 2019 season is considered one of the most impressive comebacks of his career.
Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics: Veteran Roles
Later in his career, Griffin played for the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics.
⭐ Veteran Contributions
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Smart passing
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Hustle and rebounding
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Floor-spacing shooting
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Leadership for young players
Though no longer the explosive star of early days, his basketball IQ remained elite.
Playing Style: What Made Blake Griffin Special?
⭐ Early Career Strengths
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Elite explosiveness
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Powerful finishes
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Strong rebounding
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Great pick-and-roll chemistry
⭐ Evolved Skill Set
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Improved jump shot
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High-level passing from the post
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Ball-handling for a big man
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Smart playmaking
Griffin’s ability to reinvent his game extended his NBA longevity.
Injuries & Challenges
Injuries played a major role in Blake’s career, especially:
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Knee issues
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Leg injuries
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Reduced explosiveness over time
Despite setbacks, he continuously evolved his style to remain effective.
Personal Life
Blake Griffin maintains a balanced public image and is known for his humor and intelligence.
Interests
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Comedy (appeared in several shows)
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Philanthropy
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Entertainment and business ventures
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Family-oriented lifestyle
He has children and remains private but supportive in family matters.
Net Worth & Income Sources
Blake Griffin’s wealth comes from:
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NBA contracts
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Endorsements (Subway, Kia, Jordan Brand, etc.)
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Investments
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Media and entertainment projects
His career earnings rank among the highest for players of his era.
Career Achievements
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6× NBA All-Star
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Rookie of the Year (2011)
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All-NBA selections
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Slam Dunk Contest Champion
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No. 1 overall draft pick
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Franchise-changing player for the Clippers
Legacy: One of the Most Exciting Players of His Generation
Blake Griffin’s legacy is defined by:
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Electrifying dunks
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Lob City revolution
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Evolution into a skilled all-around forward
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Leadership and professionalism
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Strong cultural and entertainment impact
He remains one of the most memorable stars of modern NBA history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blake Griffin’s age?
35 years old.
Which teams did Blake Griffin play for?
Clippers, Pistons, Nets, Celtics.
What is Blake Griffin best known for?
His dunks, Lob City era and All-Star career.
Is Blake Griffin retired?
Yes, he announced retirement in 2024.
Disclaimer
This biography is based on publicly available information and written for general informational purposes only.
