The Houston Rockets have made the decision to waive A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout valued at $250,000. This move comes as a significant juncture in Griffin's young career, as he contemplates stepping away from basketball entirely at just 21 years old.
Griffin's NBA Journey
Griffin, who was selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, has had an interesting start to his professional career. Despite showing potential during his rookie season, where he averaged nine points per game with an impressive 39% from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of play, Griffin's journey has been anything but smooth.
His rookie season was highlighted by a couple of standout performances where he scored a career-best 24 points twice. Griffin also earned 12 starting opportunities during his inaugural NBA campaign. Yet, despite these flashes of brilliance, consistency eluded him.
The Transition to Houston
Griffin's move to the Houston Rockets came as part of a trade deal that saw the 2023 No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, head to the Atlanta Hawks. However, Griffin struggled to find his footing with the Rockets, particularly during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, where his performance was less than stellar.
Contemplating the Future
As Griffin pondered his future in the sport, the Rockets' decision to waive him seemed to be influenced by his recent struggles as well as the potential benefits of taking a break. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Griffin plans to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career."
Taking a step back at this stage might give Griffin the clarity and rest he needs to decide his next moves, whether it's a return to the hardwood or pursuing different endeavors. This hiatus could serve as a crucial period of reflection and recovery for the young athlete.
The Griffin Legacy
Basketball is ingrained in Griffin's bloodline. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. The senior Griffin’s experience and insights into the sport will undoubtedly provide valuable guidance as A.J. navigates this uncertain phase.
Following a standout single season at Duke, Griffin entered the NBA with a lot of promise. However, the leap from college basketball to the professional stage is significant and not every player transitions smoothly. Griffin's raw talent and early achievements suggest that he has the potential to make a comeback if he chooses to return to the sport after his hiatus.
The NBA world will be watching closely to see what Griffin's next steps will be. For now, both the Rockets and Griffin agree that taking this break could be beneficial in assessing his long-term prospects in basketball.
Griffin’s story serves as a reminder of the often tumultuous path athletes face, marked by both high hopes and significant challenges. Whether this is a temporary pause or a permanent farewell, A.J. Griffin's decision will be a pivotal point in his life, charting a new course for his future, both within and outside the realm of professional basketball.