The Houston Rockets have made a notable decision, waiving A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout valued at $250,000. This unexpected move marks a significant turn in the young athlete's career, particularly given Griffin's potential and his recent bout of underperformance.
Griffin, who is just 21 years old, finds himself at a crossroads, poised to step away from professional basketball. The uncertainty looms large as it remains unclear whether his hiatus will be temporary or a more permanent decision. This situation is a stark contrast to the promise he showed early in his career.
Griffin was initially selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks after a single, impressive season at Duke. During his rookie year, he demonstrated considerable promise, averaging nine points per game with an impressive 39% accuracy from beyond the arc, all within an average of 20 minutes of play. Griffin's scoring prowess was particularly highlighted when he managed to notch a career-best 24 points on two separate occasions.
Despite these promising statistics, Griffin's journey has not been without its hurdles. After being traded to the Houston Rockets, in a deal that also saw the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, move to the Hawks, Griffin struggled to find his footing with his new team. His performance in the Las Vegas Summer League last July was particularly disappointing, adding to the challenges he has faced.
The decision to release Griffin comes amid his contemplations about his future in the sport. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Griffin plans to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career." This pause could potentially offer Griffin the respite he needs to reassess his professional path and return stronger, or it might signal the end of his basketball journey.
Griffin's potential departure from the sport is noteworthy, considering his familial ties to basketball. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. The younger Griffin's struggles in Houston and his subsequent contemplation of a break may have been influenced by the high expectations often placed on second-generation players.
The Rockets' decision to allow Griffin to take this step back appears to be a calculated one, factoring in both his recent struggles and the possible benefits of taking a break. Whether Griffin will return to the court renewed and refocused, or whether this marks the end of his professional basketball career, remains to be seen.
For now, the focus remains on Griffin's well-being and future decisions. The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, continue to navigate their own path forward without the promising but struggling young player. The sports world will no doubt watch closely as Griffin determines his next move, hoping for clarity on whether he will make a comeback or chart a new course away from the basketball court.