In a surprising turn of events, A.J. Griffin, who was once considered one of the promising young talents in professional basketball, has made the decision to step away from the sport. The former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick announced his departure, revealing a significant personal shift that has left many in the basketball community in awe.
Griffin, who was drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in 2022, confirmed his departure shortly after his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20. The 21-year-old's professional career began with high expectations after an impressive stint at Duke, where he played only one season before entering the NBA. His rookie season saw him average nine points per game, demonstrating remarkable shooting efficiency with a 39% success rate from beyond the arc, while logging an average of 20 minutes per game. Griffin's potential was evident as he scored a career-best 24 points twice and earned a spot in the starting lineup 12 times.
However, Griffin's journey took a detour when he was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. Griffin played 20 games last season with the Hawks before the trade. Unfortunately, his time with the Rockets was marred by struggles, particularly highlighted during the Las Vegas Summer League in July. These challenges eventually led to his release from the team.
Despite the setbacks in his basketball career, Griffin received a $250,000 contract buyout from the Rockets. His decision to step away from the court wasn't solely influenced by his professional struggles, but by a deeper, more personal calling. Griffin has chosen to pursue a spiritual path, a decision that he feels passionately about.
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin stated. "And I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that seems like – it seems like a loss in the world's eyes. But, I just want to let you guys know that I'm super excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full Yes, and I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to, you know, go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart – with all my time too, as well. So, I'm just excited to see where that leads me."
Griffin's announcement resonates with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends the basketball court. His decision reflects a commitment to his faith and a desire to serve in a capacity that he feels is more aligned with his calling. Griffin, who is the son of Adrian Griffin – a former NBA player and head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks – comes from a lineage deeply embedded in the sport. Despite this, his path has now diverged in a compelling manner.
The news of Griffin's departure from professional basketball underscores a narrative that isn't often highlighted in the sports world: the pursuit of personal and spiritual fulfillment over professional accolades. For Griffin, this is more than just a career change; it is a life-altering decision driven by a profound sense of purpose.
As Griffin steps away from the sport, the basketball community watches with respect and curiosity. His choice serves as a powerful reminder that athletes are multi-dimensional individuals who often face complex decisions that go beyond their public personas and professional responsibilities. While A.J. Griffin's tenure in the NBA might have been brief, his impact and the courage of his conviction leave an indelible mark on the sport.