Former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick A.J. Griffin has announced his retirement from basketball at age 21, citing his desire to pursue full-time ministry. Griffin, who was waived by the Houston Rockets on Sept. 20 after being traded from Atlanta, confirmed in a YouTube video that his decision to step away from the game was motivated by his faith.
“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin said in the video. “I know that in a lot of people’s eyes, that seems like a loss… but I truly get to serve God with my full ‘Yes.’”
Griffin’s Promising Start in the NBA
The 6-foot-6 forward, drafted No. 16 overall by the Hawks in 2022 after one season at Duke, averaged 9 points per game as a rookie. Known for his 3-point shooting, Griffin had two 24-point performances and made 12 starts in his first NBA season.
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However, Griffin’s second season was marred by injuries and limited playing time. He appeared in only 20 games before being traded to Houston this summer in exchange for Nikola Durisic, the No. 43 pick in the 2024 draft.
Injury Struggles and Limited Playing Time
Griffin struggled during the Rockets’ Summer League campaign in Las Vegas, and after being waived, he agreed to a $250,000 buyout, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
Griffin’s decision to retire surprised many, especially given his young age and potential. But the son of Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin said he felt a calling to pursue ministry full time.
“I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with all my heart — with all my time, too,” Griffin said.
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Griffin’s role in Houston would likely have been limited, as the Rockets boast a deep roster of forwards, including Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, and Cam Whitmore. His buyout opens a roster spot for Houston ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Griffin finishes his NBA career averaging 7.5 points and 1.9 rebounds over 92 games across two seasons with Atlanta. He recently spent time away from the Hawks during the 2023 season for personal reasons, further adding to the uncertainty around his future in the league.
Though his time in the NBA was brief, Griffin’s decision to step away to serve a higher calling is a rare move in professional sports, and he leaves with the respect of teammates and fans alike.
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