The Houston Rockets have taken the significant step of waiving young guard A.J. Griffin, opting for a contract buyout valued at $250,000. This decision, made public recently, marks a notable moment in the young athlete's career, as Griffin contemplates his future in professional basketball.
A Promising Start
At just 21 years old, Griffin's journey in the NBA has already seen its fair share of heights and challenges. Drafted 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, the former Duke standout entered the league with considerable expectations. During his lone season in college, Griffin showcased a blend of athleticism and potential that caught the eye of NBA scouts and executives alike.
In his rookie season, Griffin gave glimpses of his promise, averaging nine points per game while demonstrating proficiency from beyond the arc, converting 39% of his three-point attempts. He achieved a career-best 24 points on two occasions and earned starting nods in 12 games, signaling a bright future ahead.
A Rocky Transition
However, the trajectory of Griffin's career took an unexpected turn when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. The trade, which included Nikola Durisic, the 43rd overall pick in the same draft, was viewed as an opportunity for Griffin to carve out a more significant role. Unfortunately, the transition proved more challenging than anticipated.
Griffin's struggles became particularly evident during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, where he failed to exhibit the same consistency and spark that had defined his rookie season. These difficulties seemingly played a part in the Rockets' decision to allow him to sit out the upcoming [2024-25] season, as Griffin himself is now pondering whether to continue his professional basketball career.
A Pivotal Decision
The notion of a young player considering a hiatus from the sport is intriguing, if not somewhat concerning. Griffin, who is also the son of Adrian Griffin—the former NBA player and current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks—finds himself at a crossroads. Sporting pedigree notwithstanding, the decision to step away, even temporarily, is not taken lightly in professional circles.
"Sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career," Griffin is quoted as saying, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. It is a statement that underscores the weight of his current reflections and the seriousness with which he is contemplating his next steps.
Support from the Rockets
Griffin's decision to take a break appears to have the backing of the Rockets organization. Understanding their young guard’s recent struggles, the franchise seems to see the potential benefits of this hiatus. In today's high-pressure sports environment, mental and physical well-being are increasingly becoming focal points, and a break could provide Griffin the space he needs to recalibrate.
The road ahead for A.J. Griffin remains uncertain. Whether his hiatus will be a pause before a resurgence or a preliminary step toward a new chapter outside basketball, remains to be seen. For now, the focus shifts to Griffin’s personal reflections and decisions, which will heavily influence his—and potentially his team's—future trajectory.
As the situation develops, Griffin will undoubtedly have the support of his family, his peers, and the basketball community at large. Regardless of the ultimate direction he chooses, A.J. Griffin's journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of a sports career and the importance of taking care of one's own well-being along the way.