AJ Griffin, the 21-year-old forward, has decided to step away from basketball after agreeing to a buyout with the Houston Rockets. In a heartfelt YouTube video, Griffin explained his decision to prioritize his faith over his basketball career.
“To bring it all down in a short summary, I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin stated. He acknowledged that many might view this choice as a loss, but expressed his excitement about dedicating his life to full-time ministry.
Griffin revealed that his faith journey began in 2020 when he gave his life to Christ. “It was the best decision of my life,” he said. Griffin explained how his priorities changed as he grew in his faith, realizing that basketball, once his everything, was no longer his life’s purpose.
Griffin, acquired by the Rockets in June from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for a second-round pick, struggled to find his footing in the NBA. After a tough stint during the Las Vegas Summer League, it became clear he wasn’t likely to be part of Houston’s plans for the upcoming season.
The buyout agreement, worth $250,000, allows Griffin to sit out the 2024-25 season as he reflects on his future in the sport. Despite being selected 16th overall by the Hawks in the 2022 NBA Draft, his time in the league has been challenging. In two seasons, Griffin averaged 7.5 points per game while shooting 44.7% from the field across 92 games.
During the 2023-24 season, Griffin played in 20 games for the Hawks, averaging just 2.4 points in 8.5 minutes per game. His limited playing time and struggles to adapt to the NBA have fueled his decision to step back.
Griffin, the son of former NBA player and Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin, had a promising college career at Duke, which propelled him into the NBA. However, his transition to the professional level proved more difficult than expected.
Griffin expressed his desire to focus on his spiritual life. “I truly get to serve God with my full yes. Letting go of basketball is allowing me to enter full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with all my heart,” Griffin added.
While his basketball future remains uncertain, Griffin appears content with his decision. His move to follow his faith rather than the court marks a significant shift in his life’s direction. As he continues his journey, it remains to be seen whether basketball will play a role in his future.
For now, Griffin is at peace with his choice. “It’s not what we do that makes us, but it’s who we are,” he said.
