Former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick A.J. Griffin has made a monumental decision to step away from professional basketball. This move marks a significant turning point in the young athlete’s life, reflecting a profound shift in his personal priorities.
Griffin, who was drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in 2022, recently confirmed this news. His departure comes not long after his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20. The Rockets let him go following his struggles at the Las Vegas Summer League in July. Griffin received a $250,000 contract buyout as part of his release from the team.
Early Promise and Professional Struggles
At just 21 years old, Griffin's career in the NBA spans only a brief period, but it holds numerous noteworthy moments. After playing one season at Duke, Griffin declared for the NBA draft, where his strong performance secured him a mid-first-round selection. In his rookie season, he averaged nine points per game, coupled with a commendable 39% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc. Playing an average of 20 minutes per game, Griffin managed to score a career-best 24 points twice and earned a spot in the starting lineup 12 times.
Despite showing promise, Griffin’s professional journey took a turn when he was traded to the Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. He played 20 games last season before the trade, but his struggles at the Las Vegas Summer League seemingly foreshadowed his release from the Rockets.
A Spiritual Calling
Griffin has now chosen to pursue a spiritual calling, stepping away from the glitz and glamor of the NBA to follow a different path. “I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin stated, revealing the depth of his decision. “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.”
A Family Legacy
Griffin is not the first in his family to make a significant impact in basketball. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and head coach. Adrian has had a storied career, including a stint as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. This familial connection to basketball adds a poignant layer to A.J. Griffin’s decision to step away from the sport.
Future Directions
Griffin’s departure from professional basketball is a bold move, one that underscores his commitment to his faith. It's a decision that may surprise many, given his potential and the early promise he showed on the court. However, Griffin’s own words reflect a sense of peace and excitement about his new path, serving as a reminder that the journeys of athletes often extend beyond the boundaries of their sports careers.
As Griffin ventures into full-time ministry, the sports community will undoubtedly follow his journey with interest, offering support in his new endeavor. His story is a powerful testament to the notion that success and fulfillment are profoundly personal and can take many forms beyond professional achievements.
While A.J. Griffin’s time on the court was relatively brief, his impact both on and off the court will be remembered. And as he embarks on this new chapter of his life, those who followed his career will be rooting for him in this new arena, wishing him as much success and happiness in his spiritual mission as he found in basketball.