Blake Griffin Turns 26

The best present that Blake Griffin got this year is his health, as he returned to NBA action after dealing with a staph infection. Although the Los Angeles Clippers did decent without him, his presence and game are welcome as we are edging towards the NBA Playoffs.

Only 26 years old, Blake has done a lot through his short life. Love him or hate him he had star qualities since his time at Oklahoma where he earned he earned Big 12 Player of the Year and National College Player of the Year honors. It was easy for Nike to sign him up for a professional contract after he wore their gear during his two collegiate years.

And for three years the Swoosh had Blake as a signature athlete for the Nike Basketball line. But it was no surprise that after winning Rookie of the Year and a dunk contest he made the transition to Jordan Brand. With JB he has been rocking the Jordan Super.Fly through its incarnations.

Blake is always looking to prove doubters wrong by making himself better. Whether it be improving his jumpshot, interning at Funny or Die, or being a Senior Editor at the Players Tribune you can be sure he puts as much intensity into those projects as throwing down on an opponent (sorry Pau).

You can be sure year 26 will include more Kia and Subway commercials, probably more sponsors and a hopefully a deep Playoff run for the Clippers.