Blake Griffin has a touching reaction to being a basketball HOF finalist

Blake Griffin joined an all-star panel on the NBA on Prime this week, sitting alongside legends Dirk Nowitzki and Udonis Haslem. While the conversation usually revolves around the league’s current drama, the mood changed when host Taylor Rooks broke some big news: Blake Griffin is officially a finalist for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2026.

The former Los Angeles Clippers star could not hide his emotions. As Taylor Rooks congratulated her, Blake Griffin flashed a big smile. “It’s really an honor. Just to be named as a candidate is really cool. Whatever happens, happens, but that’s the ultimate goal.”

“It’s really an honor. Just to be named as a nominee is really cool.”

Blake Griffin on being named a finalist for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 🙌

(via @NBAonPrime)pic.twitter.com/100IttCCEO

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 13, 2026

It’s hard to argue with his biography. Blake Griffin broke in on scene with the Los Angeles Clippersinstantly turning the franchise into a perennial contender. During his prime years in Southern California, he served as the catalyst for the Lob City era, combining with Chris Paul to create the most exciting rhythm in basketball.

Over his 14-year career, Blake Griffin averaged 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. His rookie campaign in 2010-11 remains one of the greatest in modern history, as he averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game while playing in all 82 contests.

The Class of 2026 is shaping up to be a very powerful group. Blake Griffin is joined on the list of finalists by his former coach Doc Rivers and WNBA icon Candace Parker. For Blake Griffin, the journey from standout at the University of Oklahoma to six-time NBA All-Star has been a wild ride.

He eventually evolved from a high-flying dunker to a versatile power forward with the Detroit Pistons and the veteran presence of the Boston Celtics. Whatever happens when the final votes come in, Blake Griffin is clearly left an indelible mark at the game.

Seeing him sitting there with Dirk Nowitzki and Udonis Haslem felt like a well-deserved moment of recognition for a player who defined an entire era of Clippers basketball.