3-time NBA Champion Has Strong Message For Today’s Players
On Sunday afternoon, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that recent free agent Blake Griffin signed with the Brooklyn Nets. For the remainder of the season.
The move would reunite Griffin with his former Clipper running mate, DeAndre Jordan. Griffin also joins a team that will feature Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden.
“We’re fortunate to be able to add a player of Blake’s caliber to our roster at this point in the season,” Marks said. “Blake is a versatile frontcourt player with a long track record of success in our league, and we’re excited about the impact he’ll make for us both on and off the court in Brooklyn.”
On Monday, Griffin’s decision to join the Nets caught the attention of three-time NBA champion Mario Elie. The former Spur and Rocket took issue with players chasing rings.
“A lot of ring chasing going [on] in the NBA these days,” said Elie
He would go to say “What happen to earning it”
“What happen to earn it. So ask to be traded and brought out to join a stack the way to Win. What happen to competition of the game. So you want it to be easy to win a chip. I guess this is the new way to win a chip. I’m not with.”
During his time in the NBA, Elie played 10 years in the league while averaging 8.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 732 games. As for Griffin, in 20 games played with the Pistons. He averaged 13.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists per game.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
