Blake Griffin has one brother, Taylor Griffin, who played college basketball at Oklahoma and professionally in the NBA and overseas. Both brothers were raised in Oklahoma by their father, who coached basketball, and their early years in Oklahoma shaped their shared athletic identity. This relationship explainer outlines their family background, upbringing, college paths, professional careers, and key distinctions, drawing on verified team records, draft data, and biographical reporting to present a clear, durable profile of their bond and individual achievements.
Family Background and Upbringing
Blake Griffin and Taylor Griffin are brothers who grew up in Oklahoma with a strong basketball emphasis at home. Their father, Tommy Griffin, was a basketball coach who played a significant role in developing both sons’ skills and competitive mindset. The family environment prioritized discipline, practice, and exposure to high-level play, setting both boys on a path toward elite basketball programs and eventual professional careers.
Early Life and Shared Influences
Both Blake and Taylor began playing organized basketball at a young age in Oklahoma, participating in local leagues and youth programs that emphasized fundamentals and team play. Their father’s coaching background provided consistent technical guidance, while their competitive drive pushed each other to improve. The Oklahoma basketball culture, combined with family expectations, created a shared foundation that influenced their decisions to pursue basketball at the collegiate level and professionally.
College Basketball Paths
Taylor Griffin played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma from 2005 to 2009, where he developed as a solid forward and contributed across multiple seasons. Blake Griffin chose to play college basketball at the University of Oklahoma as well, from 2007 to 2009, before declaring for the 2009 NBA draft. Both brothers shared the college basketball stage for two seasons before Blake’s draft, highlighting an overlapping period of development and team contribution.
Notable College Achievements
- Taylor Griffin: Multiple All-Big 12 selections and a key contributor during his four-year tenure at Oklahoma.
- Blake Griffin: Big 12 co-Rookie of the Year in 2008 and consensus first-team All-American in 2009.
Professional Careers and Draft Details
Blake Griffin declared for the 2009 NBA draft and was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. Taylor Griffin went undrafted in the 2009 NBA draft but later signed a contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, appearing in regular season games across several years and also playing professionally overseas. Both brothers wore NBA uniforms, though Blake reached a higher level of stardom and media attention, while Taylor sustained a longer professional career in international leagues.
Key Professional Comparisons
| Attribute | Blake Griffin | Taylor Griffin | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA Draft Year | 2009 | 2009 | Official NBA records |
| Draft Position | 1st overall | Undrafted | Official NBA records |
| Primary Teams (NBA) | Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets | Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets | NBA.com, team rosters |
| Overseas Career | Played in France and China | Played in Europe and Middle East leagues | Basketball Reference, club announcements |
| All-Star Appearances | 4x NBA All-Star | 0 | NBA.com |
Personal Relationship and Public Appearances
The brothers have maintained a close personal relationship, often speaking about family values and mutual support in interviews. They have appeared together in commercials and promotional events, including campaigns for major brands that highlight their brotherhood and shared athletic background. Public commentary from both suggests a strong bond, with Taylor frequently expressing pride in Blake’s achievements and Blake acknowledging Taylor’s role in their upbringing and development.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Some fans confuse Taylor Griffin with other relatives or assume he reached the same level of NBA prominence as Blake. In reality, Taylor carved out a solid professional career primarily overseas and had a meaningful NBA stint, while Blake became a franchise player and multiple-time All-Star. Clarifying their distinct career trajectories helps avoid misattribution and provides a clearer picture of each brother’s accomplishments.
Summary
Blake Griffin’s brother, Taylor Griffin, shares a deep basketball lineage and upbringing in Oklahoma that shaped both of their careers. While Blake achieved star power in the NBA and became a four-time All-Star, Taylor sustained a professional career with notable overseas stints and contributions to NBA teams like the Thunder and Rockets. Their shared background, overlapping college years, and mutual support illustrate a lasting familial bond, with each brother establishing his own identity within the broader story of their family.