Former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick A.J. Griffin has made a significant and unexpected decision to step away from professional basketball. Griffin, who was drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in 2022, recently confirmed this monumental shift in a heartfelt announcement, explaining his choice to pursue a spiritual calling.
Griffin's departure from the professional basketball scene comes shortly after his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20. The young player received a $250,000 contract buyout upon his release. At just 21 years old, Griffin's career seemed to be merely beginning, making his decision to leave the sport even more surprising.
His time in the NBA saw moments of promise and potential. Griffin entered the league after playing one season at Duke, where his performances caught the eye of NBA scouts. In his rookie season with the Hawks, he averaged nine points per game and demonstrated impressive shooting efficiency, boasting a 39% success rate from beyond the arc. With an average of 20 minutes per game, Griffin made the starting lineup 12 times and scored a career-best 24 points on two occasions.
However, his trajectory changed when he was traded to the Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. Griffin played 20 games last season before the trade to Houston, but struggled to find his footing at the Las Vegas Summer League in July, ultimately leading to his release from the Rockets.
The decision to leave basketball behind has been a deeply personal one for Griffin, who has chosen to follow a spiritual path. In his own words, "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus." He elaborated, "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 decision is also significant considering his family background. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player who transitioned into a coaching career, serving as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. The younger Griffin's move to step away from a promising basketball career to pursue full-time ministry underscores the profound nature of his personal conviction.
While Griffin's announcement undoubtedly surprised many in the basketball community, it is a testament to his dedication to his faith and his willingness to follow his heart, irrespective of the pressures and expectations of a professional sports career. His journey now takes him on a different path, one where he hopes to make an impact off the court and in the lives of many through his spiritual endeavors.
As Griffin embarks on this new chapter, he leaves behind a legacy of potential in the NBA that will always be remembered. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest plays are not made on the court but in the choices we make to follow our true calling.