Blake Griffin says he only would've played for the Celtics this season

Sam LaFrance | Apr 17, 2024

May 27, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics forward Blake Griffin (91) warms up before game vs. Miami Heat. / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Griffin officially announced his retirement from basketball on Tuesday afternoon. The former Celtics forward made the announcement after sitting out the entire 2023-24 season.

His final game as a pro came as a member of the Cs last spring, when Boston went crashing out of the Eastern Conference Finals in Game 7.

Though his contract only ran through the end of the 2022-23 campaign, there was hope from the fanbase that he’d suit up in green for another run at Banner 18.

According to Griffin, the fans weren’t the only ones who wanted him to hit the parquet for another season.

During an interview on Wednesday’s episode of “Pardon My Take,” Griffin revealed that he had a standing offer to return to the Celtics for a final title push.

“I kind of left it open for a while,” he said. “I did have sort of a standing offer to go back to Boston. I remember the end of December hit, and I called Brad Stevens, and I was like, ‘Man, I really appreciate it.’ I had communication with him the whole time. I just wasn’t there, man. Something changed, and I knew when something changed like that, it was time to be done.”

Griffin added that he’d been enjoying life since chatting with Stevens at the end of 2023 and had already been mentally retired from that point on. However, had he decided to lace ‘em up again, it would’ve been in Boston.

“Yeah, I mean, if I had gone anywhere, I would’ve gone back to Boston,” Griffin explained. “I love those guys, and I’m pulling for them, and they’ve got a great shot. But it was just time for me to be done. I wouldn’t have been able to give what I should be able to give to a team if my heart wasn’t in it.”

He concluded the portion of his appearance discussing the Celtics by showing appreciation for the organization, the players, and Stevens.

“I’m super appreciative of Boston and all of those guys, Brad and all of those guys, but it was time.”

Further Reading

Brad Stevens Addresses Potential Extension with Derrick White

After Career Night, Reflective Payton Pritchard Discusses NBA Journey and His Ultimate Pursuit

'Nip That in the Bud': Celtics Address End-of-Season Struggles

Jrue Holiday on Celtics Extension: 'Try to Get More Banners, Get More Rings'

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'