The Definitive Timeline: All The Key 'Dates Joined' In Blake Griffin's NBA Career And His Hall Of Fame Future

Contents

Blake Griffin’s professional journey is a fascinating tapestry of high-flying dunks, MVP-caliber seasons, and strategic team changes. As of Monday, December 22, 2025, the focus on the former No. 1 overall pick has intensified following a major, career-defining announcement that places his entire timeline under the spotlight. This deep dive explores every critical "date joined" and the significant milestones that defined his 13-season run in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The phrase "Blake Griffin dates joined" is a direct reference to the transaction history that shaped his legacy, a history that culminated just days ago with his inclusion on a prestigious list. His career arc—from the dynamic "Lob City" era with the Los Angeles Clippers to his final stop with the Boston Celtics—is a masterclass in professional evolution, showcasing a power forward who adapted his game from explosive athlete to cerebral playmaker.

Blake Griffin: Full Biography and Career Profile

Blake Austin Griffin, born on March 16, 1989, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, quickly rose to prominence as a generational talent. His incredible athleticism and powerful dunks made him a global icon and a six-time NBA All-Star. His collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma was legendary, culminating in him being named the Consensus National Player of the Year in 2009.

Here is a complete overview of his professional profile:

  • Full Name: Blake Austin Griffin
  • Born: March 16, 1989 (Age 36 as of late 2025)
  • Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
  • Weight: 250 lb (113 kg)
  • Position: Power Forward
  • College: Oklahoma (2007–2009)
  • NBA Draft Status: 1st overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers
  • NBA Seasons Played: 13 (2010–2023)
  • Key Career Accolades: 6× NBA All-Star, 5× All-NBA Team selection, NBA Rookie of the Year (2011), NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (2011).
  • Retirement Date: April 16, 2024 (Announcement)

The Critical 'Dates Joined': Griffin's NBA Team Timeline

Griffin’s career is defined by four distinct stops. While his initial contract with the Clippers began in 2009, his official NBA debut was delayed. The following timeline details the exact dates he joined each major franchise, marking the shifts in his professional journey.

Los Angeles Clippers: The "Lob City" Foundation

The Clippers era is where Blake Griffin became a superstar. He was the cornerstone of the franchise's resurgence, transforming them from a perennial lottery team into a playoff contender alongside Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan.

  • Date Joined (Draft): June 25, 2009
  • Date Joined (Debut Season): October 27, 2010 (After missing the entire 2009–10 season due to a knee injury).
  • Key Event: Won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on February 19, 2011, with his iconic dunk over a car.
  • Date Departed: January 29, 2018 (Traded to the Detroit Pistons).

Detroit Pistons: The Trade and the Transformation

The mid-season trade to the Pistons marked a significant turning point, both for Griffin and the league. He transitioned from a high-flying athlete to a more perimeter-oriented player, relying on his playmaking and improved jump shot. This period saw his last All-Star selection and a memorable playoff appearance.

  • Date Joined (Trade): January 29, 2018
  • Key Event: Earned an All-NBA Third Team selection in the 2018–19 season, showcasing his ability to lead a team.
  • Date Departed: March 5, 2021 (Waived via a contract buyout).

Brooklyn Nets: The Superteam Experience

After being bought out by the Pistons, Griffin joined the star-studded Brooklyn Nets. His role shifted to that of a veteran presence and an energy big man off the bench. He played alongside Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, seeking his first NBA championship.

  • Date Joined (Signing): March 8, 2021
  • Date Departed: July 2022 (Became a free agent).

Boston Celtics: The Final Chapter

Griffin signed with the Celtics for what would be his final season. He provided valuable leadership and depth for a Celtics squad that reached the Eastern Conference Finals. His time in Boston was brief but impactful, solidifying his reputation as a respected veteran.

  • Date Joined (Signing): October 3, 2022
  • Date Departed: End of the 2022–23 season (Became a free agent).

The Post-Retirement Era: Hall of Fame Nomination for the Class of 2026

The most recent and significant update regarding Blake Griffin’s career came on December 19, 2025, when the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame officially announced the eligible candidates for the Class of 2026.

This announcement instantly reframed the legacy of the former Oklahoma Sooners star. Griffin, alongside other notable first-time nominees like Joe Johnson and Candace Parker, is now on the ballot for one of basketball's highest honors.

His nomination is a testament to a career that included 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game over 765 regular-season contests. The sheer volume of his accolades—six All-Star selections and five All-NBA nods—makes his case compelling, even with the injury struggles that marked his later years.

The Entities That Define a Hall of Fame Career

To understand the weight of his nomination, one must consider the key entities and achievements that mark his career:

  • NBA Rookie of the Year (2011): A unanimous selection after his spectacular debut season, which followed a year of rehabilitation.
  • Slam Dunk Contest Champion (2011): A victory that cemented his status as a must-watch athlete and elevated the Clippers franchise.
  • All-NBA Selections: Being named to the All-NBA team five times (four times to the Second Team and once to the Third Team) places him in elite company among power forwards of his generation.
  • The Lob City Era: A cultural phenomenon in Los Angeles, this period defined an entire style of basketball, heavily featuring his high-flying finishes.

His journey from the incredible highs of "Lob City" to his crucial veteran role with the Celtics shows a player who consistently adapted to the demands of the modern NBA. The official announcement of the Hall of Fame inductees for the Class of 2026, which will take place in April, will be the next major date on the timeline of Blake Griffin’s storied career.

Blake Griffin's Lasting Impact on the NBA and the Power Forward Position

Blake Griffin’s influence extends beyond his impressive statistics. He was one of the last true post-up power forwards who could also dominate above the rim, only to later reinvent himself as a primary ball-handler and facilitator. This adaptability is a core part of his legacy.

His injuries, particularly the knee and quad issues, forced him to evolve, which inadvertently made him a more complete basketball player. His ability to hit the three-point shot and run the offense from the elbow extended his career and provided a blueprint for other athletic big men facing similar physical setbacks.

The cultural impact of his early career—the posters, the highlights, the sheer force of his dunks—cannot be overstated. For a generation of fans, Blake Griffin represented the pinnacle of athleticism in the modern NBA, making every "date joined" a significant marker in the history of the league's most exciting plays. His transition from a high-usage star to a critical role player with championship contenders like the Nets and Celtics demonstrates a commitment to winning over personal glory, a trait highly valued by the Basketball Hall of Fame voters.

blake griffin dates joined
blake griffin dates joined

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