Former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick A.J. Griffin has recently made the pivotal decision to step away from professional basketball, a move that has both shocked and intrigued the basketball world. Drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in 2022, Griffin’s journey on the court was one marked with promise and potential.
Griffin, now 21 years old, entered the NBA after showcasing his talents for one season at Duke. During his rookie season, he demonstrated his scoring ability by averaging nine points per game, coupled with an impressive 39% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc. He logged an average of 20 minutes per game, with his career-best of 24 points reached on two occasions. Griffin’s performance earned him a spot in the starting lineup 12 times—a nod to his skill and potential impact on the court.
However, Griffin’s path took an unforeseen turn. After playing 20 games for the Hawks last season, he was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. Griffin’s subsequent stint with the Rockets was brief and challenging. His struggles at the Las Vegas Summer League in July culminated in his release from the team on September 20. The release followed a $250,000 contract buyout, marking the end of his association with the Rockets.
Griffin's decision to retire from basketball stems from a profound personal choice rather than professional setbacks. He has decided to pursue a spiritual calling, marking a significant shift in his life’s trajectory. In his own words, "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus." Reflecting on this choice, Griffin added, "And I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that 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."
The roots of Griffin's spiritual journey might be traced back to his upbringing and family influences. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. While basketball has long been a significant part of his family’s legacy, A.J. Griffin feels called to a different path, one that emphasizes his faith over athletics.
Griffin’s departure from professional basketball is a rare narrative in the modern sports landscape, where players often pursue extended careers or transition into related fields such as coaching or commentary. His wholehearted embrace of a spiritual vocation over a lucrative and high-profile basketball career underscores his commitment to his faith and his readiness to explore a new purpose.
As Griffin prepares to dedicate himself fully to his ministry, the basketball community reflects on his choice with a mix of surprise and admiration. His talent on the court was undeniable, hinting at a bright future in the NBA. Yet, his decision to prioritize his spiritual calling speaks volumes about his character and dedication to his beliefs.
In a world where success is often measured by professional achievements and accolades, A.J. Griffin's story serves as a poignant reminder that fulfillment and purpose come in many forms. While his journey in the NBA may have concluded sooner than expected, Griffin begins a new chapter, driven by faith and a desire to serve.
The basketball world will undoubtedly follow Griffin's new path with interest, curious to see how the former first-round pick transitions from the hardwood to his spiritual endeavors. And as he steps away from the game, Griffin leaves behind a legacy of potential unfulfilled on the court, but a profound testament to the power of personal conviction and faith off it.