As he leaves the only team and city he has known since beginning his professional career nearly eight years ago, Blake Griffin expressed gratitude Tuesday to Los Angeles, the Clippers and their fans.
Griffin posted a brief statement on Twitter the morning after the stunning trade that sent him to the Pistons along with Willie Reed and Brice Johnson for Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and a first- and second-round draft pick.
The 28-year-old said he needed some time "to digest and reflect on what happened" before reflecting on memories of his time with the Clippers and thanking all involved.
"From being a #1 pick, to Lob City, to six straight Playoff appearances, I am so proud to have been part of the success of the Clippers organization," he wrote. "LA has been my home since I started in the league and I will be forever grateful to the city for embracing me and supporting me."
Griffin is second on the Clippers' all-time scoring list (10,863) and third in rebounds (4,686) in 504 games with the franchise. While expectations have ebbed a bit in recent years as Griffin has battled injuries — he hasn't played more than 67 games since 2013-14 — he'll be expected to be the savior in Detroit, where the Pistons entered Tuesday at No. 9 in the Eastern Conference with a 22-26 record.
"Now I'm ready for the next chapter, getting to work and helping the Detroit Pistons make a run in the Eastern Conference," Griffin wrote.
