Not only will Blake Griffin be wearing a new uniform this season, but he'll also be sporting a new number.
Shortly after it was revealed that the Celtics would start the 2022-23 season without defensive ace Robert Williams III, news broke that Boston was signing Griffin to a one-year contract.
The Celtics mark the fourth team Griffin has played for in his NBA career. Since starting his career with the Clippers, he's had stints with the Pistons, Nets and now Celtics.
With an opportunity to contribute to a contender, Griffin is channeling a certain Hall of Famer with his number choice.
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Why did Blake Griffin change his number to 91 after joining Celtics?
According to The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, Griffin chose to wear No. 91 with the Celtics as a tribute to Dennis Rodman.
Rodman wore No. 91 during his three seasons alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen on the Bulls, each of which resulted in a championship. He didn't score much in a Bulls uniform, but Rodman averaged a whopping 15.3 rebounds per game and made an undeniable impact with his defensive versatility and toughness as Chicago's starting power forward.
There will never be another Dennis Rodman.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 28, 2020
His Top 5 Plays as a Chicago Bull: pic.twitter.com/BA5XAii8fb
Griffin won't start for the Celtics, but he says he's prepared to do whatever the team needs.
"I'll be ready for whatever role they need me [to play] right now," Griffin said. "Obviously, when [Williams] comes back, he's a monster and he's the anchor of their team. Defensively, especially. So whatever role I'm used for now, whatever role I'm needed for later, I'll be ready."
This is the third time Griffin has changed his jersey number in his career. He wore No. 32 with the Clippers, No. 23 with the Pistons and No. 2 with the Nets.
No. 91 has never been worn before by a player on the Celtics.
9️⃣1️⃣☘️ pic.twitter.com/ehBwe0e1Fp
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 3, 2022
The No. 1 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Griffin joins the Celtics with career averages of 19.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He's earned six All-Star selections and five All-NBA selections, the last coming in the 2018-19 season.
