Former First-Round Pick A.J. Griffin Steps Away from Professional Basketball
In a surprising move, former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick A.J. Griffin recently announced his decision to step away from professional basketball. Drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in 2022, Griffin's NBA career was expected to flourish; however, the 21-year-old has chosen a different path, citing a spiritual calling as the reason for his departure.
Griffin's decision comes shortly after his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20, following a challenging performance at the Las Vegas Summer League. Griffin, who received a $250,000 contract buyout, struggled to make an impact in the Summer League, which led to his release by the Rockets.
The young athlete's professional journey has seen significant highs and lows in a relatively short period. Griffin arrived in the NBA after a single season at Duke, where he showcased his potential to be a prominent player on the big stage. In his rookie season, Griffin averaged nine points per game and maintained a 39% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc. He logged an average of 20 minutes per game, starting 12 times and scoring a career-best 24 points twice during that season.
Despite these promising statistics, Griffin's season was cut short when he was traded to the Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. Griffin managed to play only 20 games last season before the trade. His performance did not meet expectations at the Summer League, leading to his release from the Rockets.
Reflecting on his decision, Griffin conveyed a profound sense of peace and purpose. "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin announced, expressing his excitement about dedicating himself to a higher calling. "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 elaborated.
This step away from professional sports marks a significant shift in Griffin's life trajectory. His decision has undoubtedly stirred varied reactions within the basketball community, where leaving a burgeoning career for spiritual endeavors is notably uncommon.
Griffin's spiritual journey is also influenced by his family background. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Adrian Griffin's experience and recognition in professional basketball add an additional layer of depth to A.J.'s decision. The younger Griffin is transitioning from the legacy of professional sports to follow a personal calling, aiming to find fulfillment beyond the boundaries of the court.
A.J. Griffin's departure is a poignant reminder of the multifaceted lives athletes lead and the personal convictions that drive their decisions, even when those decisions take them away from the sports world. At just 21 years old, Griffin's journey is evolving in an unexpected direction, one where he seeks spiritual fulfillment and service to his faith, embodying a narrative far removed from the conventional sports success story.
It remains to be seen how Griffin's new path will unfold. However, his decision to prioritize spiritual devotion over professional advancement is one that underscores a compelling narrative of personal choice and inner calling, over external accolades and achievements. While the basketball community may view his departure as a significant loss, Griffin's perspective offers a different kind of victory – one rooted in faith and personal resolve.