Blake Griffin Named 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Finalist

The former Clippers star reacts emotionally to the honor.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 1:39am

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Blake Griffin, a former NBA All-Star and key member of the Clippers' 'Lob City' era, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Griffin, who played 14 seasons in the NBA, was visibly emotional when the news was announced during an NBA on Prime broadcast, saying 'Truly an honor. Just to be named a nominee is really cool.'

Why it matters

Griffin's selection as a Hall of Fame finalist recognizes his significant contributions to the NBA over his career, including his time as a perennial All-Star and one of the league's most exciting players during the Clippers' Lob City era in the early 2010s. His potential induction would cement his legacy as one of the best power forwards of his generation.

The details

During his peak years with the Clippers, Griffin combined with Chris Paul to form one of the most entertaining highlight reels in basketball. Over his 14-year career, Griffin averaged 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. His standout 2010-11 rookie season, in which he averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game while playing all 82 contests, is considered one of the greatest rookie campaigns in modern NBA history.

  • Blake Griffin was named a finalist for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on February 13, 2026.

The players

Blake Griffin

A former NBA All-Star and key member of the Los Angeles Clippers' 'Lob City' era, Griffin is a finalist for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Chris Paul

Griffin's former teammate with the Clippers, with whom he formed one of the most exciting highlight reels in basketball during the Lob City era.

Doc Rivers

Griffin's former coach with the Clippers, who is also a finalist for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Candace Parker

A WNBA icon who is also a finalist for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Dirk Nowitzki

A legendary NBA player who appeared on the NBA on Prime broadcast with Griffin.

Udonis Haslem

A veteran NBA player who appeared on the NBA on Prime broadcast with Griffin.

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What they’re saying

“Truly an honor. Just to be named a nominee is really cool. Whatever happens, happens, but that's the ultimate goal.”

— Blake Griffin

What’s next

The final votes for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class will be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

Blake Griffin's selection as a Hall of Fame finalist is a testament to his remarkable career, which saw him transform from a high-flying dunker into a versatile point-forward and veteran presence in the NBA. His potential induction would solidify his legacy as one of the best power forwards of his generation.