Blake Griffin, the former forward for the Brooklyn Nets, is transitioning from the basketball court to the television screen with his upcoming late-night talk show titled The Stepback. This new venture marks a significant shift for Griffin, who has spent over a decade in the NBA, primarily with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Detroit Pistons, before concluding his playing career after the 2022-23 season.
Griffin's time with the Nets was brief but impactful, as he joined the franchise during a period when they were attempting to build a championship-caliber team alongside stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Although his stint in Brooklyn lasted just two seasons, Griffin made a notable contribution, averaging 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 82 games while shooting 45.0% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range.
According to a report by Steven Zeitchik in The Hollywood Reporter, Griffin's late-night show will be produced in collaboration with Amazon’s Wondery and will be available on both Prime Video and YouTube. The show is set to premiere in October and aims to provide a platform for Griffin to delve into the most pressing and entertaining topics in the sports world.
The format of The Stepback is expected to echo the style of popular late-night shows, with Griffin sitting behind a desk and engaging in discussions about various sports-related issues. Topics slated for exploration include gambling, name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, taxpayer-funded stadiums, cannabis use in sports, analytics, and the evolving landscape of sports journalism.
At 37 years old, Griffin remains a prominent figure in basketball, having been a finalist for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame along with other notable players, including Nets legend Buck Williams. Although he did not receive induction this year, many anticipate that Griffin will eventually earn his place in the Hall of Fame. His late-night show could serve as a platform to further enhance his profile in the sports community.
As Griffin embarks on this new chapter, he will bring his unique perspective as a former player to the late-night landscape, offering fans an insider's view on sports topics that resonate with audiences. His experience and charisma are expected to make The Stepback a compelling addition to the late-night programming lineup.
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