Definition
Blake Griffin is a former American professional basketball player who became one of the most electrifying forwards in NBA history. Born on March 16, 1989, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Griffin was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA Draft. Standing 6’9” (206 cm) with a wingspan of 6’11”, he quickly established himself as a dominant force in the paint, combining raw athleticism with surprising court vision and playmaking ability. Griffin played 14 seasons in the NBA for the Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics before retiring in 2024.
Why It Matters
Griffin matters because he didn’t just play basketball — he redefined what a power forward could look like in the modern NBA. Before him, the position was dominated by bruising enforcers who camped in the post. Griffin brought a new template: a hyper-athletic big man who could run the floor, handle the ball, and throw down dunks that made crowds gasp. His impact extended beyond statistics; he helped transform the Clippers from a perennial laughingstock into ‘Lob City,’ one of the most exciting teams in basketball history. Alongside Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, Griffin turned alley-oops into an art form and made the Clippers must-watch television.
Example
Griffin’s rookie season was nothing short of legendary. After missing the entire 2009-10 season with a knee injury, he returned with a vengeance in 2010-11, averaging 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. He became the first rookie since Yao Ming in 2003 to be voted an All-Star starter. His dunk contest performance that year — leaping over a Kia sedan while catching a pass from Baron Davis through the sunroof — instantly became one of the most iconic moments in NBA All-Star Weekend history. The play wasn’t just athletic; it was theatrical, a perfect encapsulation of Griffin’s ability to blend sport and entertainment.
Internet Angle
On the internet, Blake Griffin became a meme before most athletes understood what that meant. His dunks generated millions of views on YouTube and Vine, with fans creating supercuts of his most violent slams set to aggressive hip-hop tracks. The phrase ‘posterized’ took on new meaning when Griffin was involved — defenders became unwilling participants in highlight reels that circulated endlessly on Reddit, Twitter, and NBA Twitter specifically. After injuries robbed him of his elite athleticism, Griffin successfully reinvented himself as a reliable three-point shooter and pick-and-roll facilitator, earning respect for adapting his game. His comedy career — including appearances on podcasts, roasts, and his own stand-up — made him a rare athlete who transitioned smoothly into internet-native entertainment. His Twitter account, known for self-deprecating humor and witty observations, proved that Griffin understood the assignment: in the age of personal branding, authenticity wins.
Related Terms
- Lob City: The 2011-2017 era Los Angeles Clippers, named for their prolific alley-oop game
- Poster Dunk: A dunk over a defender, immortalized in poster form
- NBA All-Star: An annual exhibition game featuring the league’s top players
- Slam Dunk Contest: The NBA All-Star Weekend event showcasing athletic dunks
- Power Forward: A basketball position typically played by taller, stronger players near the basket