Detroit Pistons power forward Blake Griffin returned to Staples Center on Saturday to face off against the Los Angeles Clippers for the first time since the team traded him last season, and the Clippers gave the high-flyer a well-deserved video tribute.

Blake Griffin spent the first eight years of his NBA career with the Clippers and helped turn the franchise around with the help of Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan and Doc Rivers.

Griffin won the 2011 Rookie of the Year award with the Clippers, was a five-time All-Star, and is second in franchise history in points scored. He is one of the best players to ever play for the team and was a fan favorite during his time in Los Angeles:

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Mavericks Clippers prediction

Dominik Zawartko ·

Mavericks' Luka Doncic, Mavericks' Kyrie Irving on left. Clippers' Paul George' Clippers Kawhi Leonard on right.

Joey Mistretta ·

James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Clippers logo on one side. On other side is Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, PJ Washington, Mavericks logo

Bailey Bassett ·

The Clippers shocked the NBA world last season when they traded Blake Griffin to the Pistons in January, just six months after the organization signed the former No. 1 overall pick to a lucrative five-year, $173 million deal. Doc Rivers said the team was just moving in a new direction and felt it was the right business move to make.

In 504 career games with LA, Griffin averaged 21.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from beyond the arc. Blake will likely have his No. 32 jersey retired by the Clippers one day.