In a surprising and heartfelt announcement, A.J. Griffin, the former first-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks, has declared his decision to step away from professional basketball. Griffin, who was drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in 2022, has chosen to pursue a spiritual calling, signaling a significant shift in his personal journey.
Griffin's decision comes shortly after his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20, a move that followed a challenging stint at the Las Vegas Summer League. Having struggled on the court during this period, the 21-year-old athlete concluded that it was time to bid farewell to his professional basketball career and heed a higher calling. "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin shared. "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 tenure in the NBA, though brief, was filled with moments of promise. After playing one season at Duke, where his potential caught the eyes of scouts, he entered the NBA and quickly proved himself as a valuable player. In his rookie season, Griffin averaged nine points per game, demonstrating a notable shooting efficiency with a 39% accuracy from beyond the arc. He also clocked an average of 20 minutes per game and earned a spot in the starting lineup 12 times. His career-best performance saw him scoring 24 points on two occasions, reflecting glimpses of the talent that made him a first-round pick.
However, Griffin's journey in the NBA was not without its challenges. After playing 20 games last season with the Hawks, Griffin was traded to the Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. Despite the initial optimism surrounding his arrival in Houston, Griffin struggled to find his footing, culminating in a disappointing Las Vegas Summer League that led to his release from the team. Following his release, Griffin received a $250,000 contract buyout, marking the official end of his NBA career.
The decision to leave professional basketball behind strikes a personal chord for Griffin, who is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. The senior Griffin's influence and career undoubtedly shaped A.J.'s path in basketball, but A.J. has chosen to forge a new path. The younger Griffin's step away from the sport underscores his commitment to his newfound spiritual journey.
Griffin's departure from professional basketball is a rare and unique narrative in the world of sports. While it might be seen as unconventional by some, it is a testament to the athlete's courage and conviction in pursuing a life of service and spirituality. As he transitions from the court to full-time ministry, Griffin's story serves as an inspiring reminder of the diverse paths life can take, even for those who have reached the pinnacle of athletic success.