Blake Griffin

Blake Austin Griffin, born March 16, 1989, in Oklahoma City, is an American former professional basketball player whose high-flying style made him one of the most electrifying power forwards of his era. After a standout college career at Oklahoma, where he was the consensus national player of the year as a sophomore, Griffin was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA draft. A six-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, he spent his prime years with the Clippers, forming the core of the "Lob City" era alongside Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan. Griffin's rookie season was delayed by a broken kneecap, but he returned to win Rookie of the Year in 2011 and captured the Slam Dunk Contest that same year, cementing his reputation as one of the game's greatest dunkers.

Griffin's career took him to the Detroit Pistons in 2018, the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, and finally the Boston Celtics in 2022, before he retired in 2023. Across 14 NBA seasons, he averaged 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Off the court, Griffin has appeared in a handful of films and TV shows, including a memorable cameo in the comedy Broad City and a role in the basketball drama The Way Back. His acting credits span four movies and six television appearances, showcasing a natural comedic timing that complements his athletic legacy.

Known for his explosive dunks and relentless energy, Griffin was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He also led the league in dunks for several seasons and was named to the All-NBA Second Team three times. Despite battling injuries later in his career, Griffin adapted his game, developing a reliable three-point shot and playmaking ability. His impact on the game extends beyond statistics: he helped redefine the power forward position and inspired a generation of players with his athleticism and versatility.[edit]

Blake Griffin grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma, where his father Tommy, a former basketball player and coach, instilled a strong work ethic. Tommy coached Blake at Oklahoma Christian School, pushing him through grueling drills. As a junior, Blake averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds, leading the team to a state championship. He was named Oklahoma's Mr. Basketball in 2007.

Griffin was also a standout quarterback in football and received a scholarship offer to play at Oklahoma State, but he chose basketball. He committed to the University of Oklahoma, where his older brother Taylor was already on the team. As a freshman, Griffin averaged 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds. The breakout came during his sophomore year: he put up 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds per game, earning the Naismith, Wooden, and AP Player of the Year awards. He led the Sooners to the Elite Eight before declaring for the NBA draft.[edit]

The Los Angeles Clippers selected Griffin first overall in the 2009 NBA draft. A broken left kneecap in the preseason forced him to miss the entire 2009–10 season. He returned with a vengeance in 2010–11, averaging 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds to win Rookie of the Year. At All-Star Weekend, he jumped over a Kia Optima to win the Slam Dunk Contest, a moment that defined his early career.

The Clippers traded for Chris Paul in 2011, creating the "Lob City" era. Griffin made six straight All-Star appearances from 2011 to 2016 and earned four All-NBA selections. He finished third in MVP voting in 2013–14 after averaging 24.1 points and 9.5 rebounds. In 2017, Griffin signed a five-year, $173 million contract extension. But in January 2018, the Clippers traded him to the Detroit Pistons. Griffin had his best season in Detroit in 2018–19, averaging 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, earning All-NBA Third Team and leading the Pistons to the playoffs. Injuries limited him to 18 games the next season. After a buyout in March 2021, he joined the Brooklyn Nets, then the Boston Celtics in 2022. He retired in April 2023 with career totals of 14,513 points and 6,109 rebounds.[edit]

Griffin's on-court persona was defined by explosive dunks and high-energy play. Off the court, he cultivated a clean-cut, approachable image, often seen in designer streetwear. Media coverage highlighted his charisma and intelligence, with many praising his comedic timing in acting roles. Fans during the "Lob City" era called themselves "Clipper Nation" and packed arenas to see his highlight-reel dunks. His social media presence mixes basketball nostalgia, family moments, and humor. Griffin frequently posts throwback videos of his dunks and behind-the-scenes content from his acting projects. He connects with fans through a relatable, self-deprecating tone that makes him feel approachable despite his stardom.[edit]

For over a decade, the energy surrounding Blake Griffin has been defined by a specific kind of devotion: the roar of a fanbase that watched him transform a struggling franchise into a league powerhouse. While his supporters during the Lob City era were simply known as Clippers fans or Griffin fans, lacking a singular moniker like 'The Griffin Army,' their collective impact was undeniable. They packed arenas for highlight-reel dunks and organized around the team's high-flying identity without needing a formalized campaign name or a dedicated subreddit to validate their passion. This audience remains deeply engaged, following his transition from player to media executive, though no distinct rituals or street-shutting crowds have emerged to match the intensity of his playing days.

The scope of his global recognition is now quantified by the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, which track attention across media coverage, search, and consumption signals worldwide. According to these latest August 2026 placements, Blake Griffin is the 44th most famous person in Basketball, a position he has held steady through this cycle. These metrics reflect a career that moved from viral rookie moments to sustained stardom, cementing his status not just as an athlete, but as a cultural fixture whose name carries weight far beyond the court.[edit]

Blake Griffin's journey began with athletic versatility; his father Tommy played basketball at Northwestern Oklahoma State and later coached, while Blake himself was a quarterback in high school who received a football scholarship offer from Oklahoma State. His brother Taylor followed him into professional sports, getting drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 2009 draft. Griffin is a devoted fan of The Office, calling it his favorite TV show, and his 2011 Slam Dunk Contest victory remains legendary as the first time a contestant jumped over a car. He also bears a 'Family' tattoo on his left arm, and the University of Oklahoma retired his jersey number 23. In 2016, he appeared on Celebrity Family Feud playing for charity.

Among the stories fans still retell, none overshadow the 2009 All-Star Weekend in Phoenix where Griffin dunked off the backboard over Aaron Brooks, a feat that instantly became a cultural touchstone. Later lore includes a controversial moment involving a broken hand and an $860,000 fine, highlighting the volatility of stardom. More recently, a narrative of psychological complexity emerged when Griffin publicly described a breach of trust by a Clippers sports psychologist, adding a layer of vulnerability to his legacy beyond pure athletic dominance.[edit]

Griffin's parents are Tommy Griffin, a former basketball player and coach, and Gail Griffin, a homemaker. His older brother Taylor played briefly in the NBA and overseas. Blake has one daughter, Finley, born in 2018 with ex-wife Andrea Celina. He co-parents Finley and often shares photos of her on social media. Griffin owns a home in Los Angeles and a property in Oklahoma City. He has said family is his top priority and credits his parents for keeping him grounded.[edit]

Griffin is closely associated with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, his teammates during the "Lob City" era with the Clippers. He also has ties to actors Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, with whom he co-starred in the 2024 film The Instigators. His older brother Taylor Griffin played briefly in the NBA and overseas.[edit]

Griffin dated Brynn Cameron, a former USC basketball player, from 2011 to 2013. He then had a two-year relationship with model Kaitlynne Maxfield from 2013 to 2015. In 2015, he began dating actress Olivia Munn; the high-profile couple split amicably after about a year. He was rumored to be linked to Kendall Jenner in 2017, but neither confirmed the pairing.

Griffin married model and entrepreneur Andrea Celina in 2017. They had a daughter, Finley, in 2018, but divorced in 2019. The split was reportedly amicable, and they co-parent their daughter. He dated model Jasmine Shobe from 2020 to 2021, then model and actress Brooke Tilli from 2021 to 2022. As of 2026, Griffin is single and has not been publicly linked to anyone since his split from Tilli.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Blake Griffin's net worth at $100 million. The bulk of this wealth stems from his NBA salary, where he earned over $250 million in career earnings, including a massive $173 million extension with the Clippers in 2017. Endorsements contributed roughly $50 million, featuring major deals with Nike, Kia, Gatorade, and Panini. The Kia partnership was particularly notable, highlighted by his 2011 Slam Dunk Contest jump over a Kia Optima. Griffin has diversified his portfolio by investing in startups like sports media company Overtime and esports organization FaZe Clan, alongside owning a stake in the Los Angeles restaurant chain The Butcher's Daughter. Real estate holdings include a $6 million home in Los Angeles and a $2.5 million property in Oklahoma City. His acting income from films and TV is estimated at $2–3 million, complementing a diversified investment strategy that spans stocks, cryptocurrency, and venture capital funds.[edit]

Griffin won the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2011 and was a six-time NBA All-Star. He earned five All-NBA selections, including three Second Team nods. He won the Slam Dunk Contest in 2011. In college, he swept every major national player of the year award in 2009, including the Naismith and Wooden Awards. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.[edit]