Blake Griffin & His Brother Taylor: A Look At Their Careers & Family

Did you know that behind every NBA superstar, there's often a story of family, competition, and unwavering support? The tale of Blake Griffin, a name synonymous with high-flying dunks and All-Star accolades, is inextricably linked to his older brother, Taylor, a player whose career, though less celebrated, played a crucial role in shaping Blake's journey to basketball stardom.

The Griffin brothers, Blake and Taylor, are Oklahoma City natives who grew up immersed in the world of basketball. Their father, Tommy Griffin, a former basketball center and track standout at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, instilled a love for the game in both his sons. Their mother, Gail, a tutor, homeschooled them until their teenage years, fostering an environment that prioritized both academics and athletic development. This upbringing set the stage for a competitive yet supportive sibling relationship, where both brothers pushed each other to excel.

In a world of professional sports, it's easy to get lost in the stats and the spotlight. But what about the people who helped build those stars? Heres a closer look at the key figures and facts surrounding Blake and Taylor Griffin's lives.

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Category	Details
Full Name	Blake Austin Griffin
Date of Birth	March 16, 1989
Place of Birth	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Weight	250 lb (113 kg)
Position	Power forward / Center
Current Team (as of October 26, 2024)	Boston Celtics
NBA Draft	2009, 1st overall pick (Los Angeles Clippers)
High School	Oklahoma Christian School (Edmond, Oklahoma)
College	University of Oklahoma
Parents	Tommy Griffin (father, basketball player/coach), Gail Griffin (mother)
Siblings	Taylor Griffin (older brother)
Children	Finley Elaine Griffin, and one more with former partner Brynn Cameron
Marital Status	Previously engaged to Brynn Cameron, has also dated Kendall Jenner.
Notable Achievements	6-time NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year (2011), 2-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
Reference	NBA.com

Taylor Griffin, while not reaching the same heights of fame as his younger brother, carved out his own path in the basketball world. Just eighteen months Blake's senior, Taylor played college ball at the University of Oklahoma alongside Blake. In 2009, both brothers entered the NBA draft. Blake was the first overall pick, a testament to his incredible athleticism and potential. Taylor also was selected in the same draft.

The 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament saw both brothers team up for Oklahoma. Taylor played a key role in helping the Sooners reach the Elite Eight, showcasing his skills and leadership. The dynamic between the brothers on the court was a sight to behold, their shared understanding and competitive drive fueling their success. This experience undoubtedly shaped Blakes development as a player, teaching him the importance of teamwork and the value of having a supportive teammate.

Following his brothers footsteps, Blake has been playing as the power forward on the field since the year 2009. His journey through the NBA has seen him play for the Los Angeles Clippers, the Detroit Pistons, the Brooklyn Nets, and, as of April 2024, he announced that he\u2019d be joining his brother in retirement after 13 seasons in the NBA. From the start, he has been a dominant force, known for his explosive dunks and all-around game.

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Their shared history extends beyond the court. They were homeschooled by their mother, Gail Griffin, until their teenage years, and attended Oklahoma Christian School in Edmond, Oklahoma. Their father, Tommy Griffin, served as their head coach, creating a basketball-centric environment where they honed their skills and learned the fundamentals of the game. This close-knit family dynamic played a significant role in shaping their characters and fostering their competitive spirit.

While Blake carved out a stellar NBA career, Taylor also pursued a professional basketball career. He played in the NBA, but also played internationally, including a stint with Pallacanestro Trapani in 2015. While their paths diverged professionally, the bond between the brothers remained strong.

Blake griffin's mother is white, with english ancestry. His parents Tommy and Gail are a biracial couple as tommy is haitian and gail is a white woman.

The brothers' journey also includes the complexities of personal relationships. Taylor married his school sweetheart, Marieka Willis, in 2011. They have three children: Teagan Griffin, Tinsley Griffin, and Taylan Griffin. Blake has two children with his former partner Brynn Cameron. He was also previously engaged to Cameron, and has dated Kendall Jenner in the past.

The competitive spirit between the brothers extended to all areas of life. They pushed each other, challenged each other, and celebrated each other's successes. This dynamic, built on mutual respect and love, has been a constant throughout their lives.

The impact of Tommy Griffin, their father and coach, is also key. He instilled in them the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He taught them not only the technical aspects of basketball but also the importance of character, sportsmanship, and teamwork. The values instilled by their father helped shaped the two brothers.

Looking back, the journey of the Griffin brothers exemplifies the power of family, competition, and unwavering support. Their story is a reminder that behind every star, there is often a team a family that played a pivotal role in their success.