A.J. Griffin, former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick, has announced that he is stepping away from basketball. Griffin, who was waived by the Houston Rockets in September 2023 after being traded from the Hawks, received a $250,000 buyout from his contract.
Drafted 16th overall by Atlanta in 2022, there had been speculation about the reason for his decision to step back from the game. Recently, Griffin clarified his reasoning, stating that his decision was motivated by a desire to pursue religious ministry.
In his own words, Griffin said that he gave up basketball to follow Jesus and focus on a life of ministry. He expressed excitement about serving God and fully dedicating his time to his faith. Although this decision might be seen as a loss in a worldly sense, Griffin emphasized that he is excited about his new path and is ready to see where it leads. He framed his decision as an opportunity to serve God wholeheartedly.
Griffin’s basketball career began with promise. As the son of former NBA player and coach Adrian Griffin, he was drafted by the Hawks after just one season at Duke University.
During his rookie season in the NBA, Griffin showed significant potential as a shooter, averaging nine points per game and shooting 39% from three-point range. He also had two standout games, scoring a career-high 24 points and earning 12 starts during the season.
However, Griffin’s second season in the NBA was much more challenging. He appeared in only 20 games before being traded to the Rockets. Griffin’s struggles continued during the Las Vegas Summer League in July 2023, where his performance fell short of expectations. It was shortly after this experience that he made the decision to step away from professional basketball.
Despite his early success in the NBA, Griffin is now focused on his new journey in life. His decision to prioritize faith and ministry over basketball marks a significant shift in his career and personal life. While it remains unclear if he will ever return to the sport, Griffin’s dedication to following his spiritual calling has become his primary focus.
