NBA world reacts to Blake Griffin’s ‘salute’ to NBA legend

Last Friday, the Boston Celtics signed Blake Griffin to a one-year contract. The six-time NBA All-Star has hopped around since spending nearly a decade with the LA Clippers but Griffin is looking to make an impact in Boston.

At every team, Griffin has had a different number. He had No. 32 with the Clippers, No. 23 with the Detroit Pistons, and then No. 2 with the Brooklyn Nets. With the Celtics, Griffin is going with a number that is personified by a hall of famer.

According to the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn, Griffin is going with  No. 91 in an apparent “salute” to Chicago Bulls great Dennis Rodman.

Blake Griffin will wear No. 91 for the #Celtics, as a salute to Dennis Rodman.

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) October 3, 2022

Uh, sure.

I mean, Rodman is known as much for his variety of hair colors and his frequent trips to North Korea but the guy could defend back in the day and maybe that’s what Griffin was going for.

Social media responded with a mix of confusion, support, and opposition.

And I will hop up and down in my apartment, as a salute to Neil Armstrong https://t.co/0k8C268ZUA

— Ark Mantony (@comeback_squid) October 3, 2022

Well let’s hope he plays like Last Dance Rodman https://t.co/YknOo1VdbJ

— Ryan McLaughlin (@rmclaughlin23) October 3, 2022

Coming around on this signing. https://t.co/Ldhy7Tdjtv

— Connor Hasson (@CHass33) October 3, 2022

Excuse me what? https://t.co/oL1r2teOft pic.twitter.com/8k8zWh91SE

— Tyler Rucker (@tyler_rucker) October 3, 2022

Already a Celtic 🐐 https://t.co/scxEbzbQac

— C-Walk (@Cwalkio) October 3, 2022

Dennis averaged 17 boards a game at age 33 (in about half a season). Let's see Blake do that. https://t.co/jL1BcD4wfn

— Jay Davis (@JayDavis_1981) October 3, 2022