It’s Official: Blake Griffin Joins Amazon as Studio Host, Bids Farewell to the NBA

Blake Griffin has found his next chapter after basketball. The former NBA All-Star has officially been hired by Amazon as a studio host for its NBA coverage. This marks a significant step in Griffin’s post-playing career and coincides with Amazon's burgeoning involvement in sports broadcasting.

Last year, the NBA inked a monumental 11-year, $76 billion broadcasting deal with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon. The partnership signaled a new era for the league, and Griffin’s hiring adds a familiar and charismatic face to Amazon’s roster as they dive deeper into the NBA landscape.

A Stellar Career Comes to an End

In April 2023, Griffin announced his retirement, drawing the curtain on an illustrious 15-year career. Over those years, Griffin built a resume that included six All-Star selections, three All-NBA Second Team nods, and the 2010 Rookie of the Year award. He averaged an impressive 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.

Griffin’s final season came with the Boston Celtics in 2022-23, where he averaged 4.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 13.9 minutes per game during the regular season. His postseason role was even more limited, with averages of 0 points and 2 rebounds in just six minutes per game.

Despite the modest end to his playing days, Griffin’s legacy remains robust. However, his decision not to return to the Celtics for the 2023-24 season, citing a shift in focus away from basketball, meant missing an opportunity to potentially secure his first championship ring—a decision that left many fans lamenting what could have been.

The Unfulfilled Dream of Returning to Los Angeles

Another lingering regret in Griffin’s career is his lack of a homecoming to the Los Angeles Clippers, the franchise where he became a household name. After being traded to the Detroit Pistons midway through the 2017-18 season, Griffin never donned a Clippers jersey again.

During his time in Los Angeles, Griffin was the face of the “Lob City” era, an electrifying chapter in Clippers history characterized by high-flying dunks and dynamic basketball. While the team never advanced past the Western Conference Semifinals during his tenure, Griffin’s highlight-reel performances brought unprecedented excitement, ticket sales, and national attention to a historically underwhelming franchise.

The Debate Over Jersey Retirement

One of the most intriguing questions surrounding Griffin’s legacy is whether the Clippers should retire his jersey. Griffin himself has expressed uncertainty about whether he deserves such an honor.

From a purely achievement-based perspective, Griffin’s time with the Clippers lacked deep playoff success. However, his impact on the franchise’s identity and popularity cannot be overstated. Griffin was the heart and soul of a Clippers team that transitioned from perennial underdog to legitimate contender.

Comparisons to Derrick Rose’s recent jersey retirement announcement by the Chicago Bulls are inevitable. Rose, like Griffin, faced numerous injuries throughout his career. Still, Rose’s tenure with the Bulls included an MVP award and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, making his case for jersey retirement clear.

For Clippers fans, Griffin represents an era of transformation. His jersey retirement would symbolize not just his individual contributions but the cultural shift he helped engineer in Los Angeles. The debate rages on, with passionate arguments on both sides.

Griffin’s Next Chapter

Now, Griffin steps into his new role at Amazon with a fresh challenge ahead. As a studio host, he’ll bring his charisma, humor, and deep basketball knowledge to viewers worldwide. With Amazon's growing influence in the sports media space, Griffin’s presence could be instrumental in helping the platform carve out a niche in NBA coverage.

Reflecting on a Unique Legacy

Blake Griffin’s career was as dynamic as his iconic dunks. From Rookie of the Year to perennial All-Star, from “Lob City” architect to savvy veteran, Griffin’s journey through the NBA was filled with highs, lows, and unforgettable moments.

While some questions about his legacy—like jersey retirement—may remain unanswered, one thing is clear: Griffin’s influence on the game and the Clippers franchise will endure. Now, as he pivots to broadcasting, fans have another opportunity to appreciate his insight and wit, this time off the court.

The question for Clippers Nation now is whether they’ll give Griffin the ultimate nod of recognition—a jersey in the rafters of Crypto.com Arena. Whatever the answer, there’s no denying that Blake Griffin’s story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and undeniable impact.