A.J. Griffin Steps Away from NBA to Follow a Higher Calling
Former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick A.J. Griffin has announced his departure from professional basketball, a decision that has sent ripples through the NBA community. Drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in the 2022 NBA Draft, Griffin's career seemed promising, but his recent announcement marks a significant shift in his life trajectory.
Griffin's decision to leave the sport comes shortly after his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20. He received a $250,000 contract buyout, signaling the end of his brief professional journey. At just 21 years old, Griffin has chosen to walk away from the court to pursue a spiritual path.
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin declared with resolute conviction. His statement encapsulates the profound personal transformation that led to this unexpected move. Griffin elaborated on his decision, saying, "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."
During his rookie season, Griffin showed flashes of brilliance. Averaging nine points per game, he demonstrated his sharpshooting ability with a 39% efficiency from beyond the arc. Logging 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. Yet, despite these achievements, his journey was fraught with challenges.
Griffin played one season at Duke before entering the NBA, where his performance merited the Hawks' investment in a first-round pick. However, his tenure with Atlanta was cut short as he was traded to the Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. After playing 20 games for the Hawks last season, Griffin struggled at the Las Vegas Summer League in July, which subsequently led to his release from the Rockets.
Reflecting on his transition, Griffin expressed a deep sense of purpose and excitement for the future. "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," he added.
Griffin's lineage in the sport is notable. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite the familial ties to basketball, A.J. Griffin's path diverges markedly from the one walked by his father. Adrian Griffin's storied career in the NBA contrasts with his son's newfound commitment to his faith.
This departure from the professional basketball scene has left fans and analysts pondering what might have been for Griffin. His on-court performance exhibited potential, but his spiritual calling proved more compelling. The decision underscores the personal and often unpredictable nature of athletes' lives, reminding us that the journey is as important as the destination.
As A.J. Griffin embraces his new direction, the basketball world will watch from afar, perhaps with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. His story is a testament to the profound impact of personal conviction and the courage to pursue one's true calling, whatever that may be.