Houston Rockets Waive A.J. Griffin Following Contract Buyout
In a surprising development, the Houston Rockets have decided to waive promising young player A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout valued at $250,000. Griffin, just 21 years old, is contemplating stepping away from basketball, leaving both fans and analysts questioning whether his hiatus will be temporary or permanent.
Griffin's departure comes after a whirlwind start to his professional career. Selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Griffin was expected to deliver on the high expectations set for him. During his single season at Duke, he showcased impressive skills that translated well into his rookie year. With an average of nine points per game on 39% 3-point shooting in 20 minutes of play, Griffin seemed to be on a promising trajectory.
Throughout his rookie season, Griffin demonstrated flashes of brilliance, including scoring a career-high 24 points on two occasions. Despite starting in 12 games, his performance was marked by inconsistency, a challenge not uncommon for new entries to the league.
Trade and Struggles in Houston
The young athlete’s journey took another twist when he was traded from the Hawks to the Rockets. The trade deal also saw the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, move to Atlanta. However, the fresh start in Houston did not go as planned for Griffin. His struggles, particularly evident during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, resulted in a noticeable slump in his performance.
Griffin, the son of Adrian Griffin—an NBA veteran and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks—has had strong basketball roots. Despite this, his time with the Rockets was marred by underwhelming displays and mounting pressure to live up to his potential. The decision to waive him seems to be influenced by these recent struggles and the potential benefits of taking a break from the game.
Contemplating the Future
As Griffin reflects on his next steps, it's reported that he plans to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career," according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. This period of contemplation might offer Griffin a much-needed respite to evaluate his passion for the sport and explore other aspirations that he may hold beyond the basketball court.
The Rockets’ willingness to allow Griffin this time off indicates an acknowledgment of his current mental and physical state, prioritizing his well-being over immediate professional gains. Whether this hiatus will rejuvenate Griffin’s drive and performance remains a question that only time can answer.
A Pause and a Crossroads
For an athlete as young as Griffin, this pause represents a significant crossroads. The up-and-down nature of his career thus far highlights the challenging transition from collegiate to professional basketball. Griffin's experience underscores the harsh realities of professional sports, where early promise does not always translate into long-term success.
This decision to step away, even temporarily, is a reflective measure that could redefine the trajectory of his career. It has often been observed that young talents benefit from periods of rest and mental recuperation, potentially returning stronger and more focused.
A.J. Griffin’s story is a reminder of the pressures faced by young athletes in the competitive landscape of the NBA. His future, whether in or out of basketball, remains a focal point of interest for those invested in the sport. As he takes this time to reassess, the basketball community will be watching closely, hoping for a return that matches his initial promise and talents.