Rockets wing AJ Griffin is “seriously considering” leaving basketball, sources tell Shams Charania and Kelly Iko of The Athletic (Twitter link).
According to Charania and Iko, both Griffin and the Rockets are “preparing for his departure from the game.”
The 16th overall pick of the 2022 draft, Griffin had a promising rookie season in which he averaged 8.9 points per game with a .465/.390/.894 shooting line in 72 contests (19.5 MPG).
However, he missed time due to leg and ankle issues and personal reasons in 2023/24 and didn’t play much when he was available, averaging just 8.6 minutes per contest in 20 appearances. The former Duke Blue Devil’s scoring numbers cratered to 2.4 PPG on 29.0% shooting (.256 3PT%).
After spending his first two seasons with the Hawks, Griffin was traded to Houston in June in a three-team deal that saw Atlanta acquire the No. 43 pick (Nikola Djurisic). The Rockets had reportedly long been interested in the 21-year-old, and in July he expressed excitement about having a fresh start with Houston. But it appears his time with the team could be very brief.
Griffin is on Houston’s books for a guaranteed $3.89MM salary for ’24/25 and the Rockets will have until the end of October to decide whether or not they want to exercise his $5.97MM team option for the ’25/26 season. Based on today’s report, it certainly sounds like that option will be declined.
Griffin is the son of former NBA player and longtime assistant coach Adrian Griffin, who was head coach of the Bucks for part of last season.
He should be able to get a job at McDonald’s if he decides to quit the NBA
He went to Duke
For a year, not like he graduated
Yeah but you can go back. Sure it wouldn’t be on scholarship but he can afford the tuition just fine.
That was a free ride. Not like they try to learn anything
Fast Eddie:
Yall love when they fall off and become you…
a non-professional athlete…
The guy has made something like $7 million in his career so far. Why would he need to work at McDonald’s?
I wish him nothing but the best. Life is way more than basketball.
Way to go FastEddie, stay classy San Diego.
If AJ’s lost the love for the game, or everything that goes into being an NBA player, good for him in recognizing it and stepping away.
Hopefully he can find a home on one of these teams…
It’s a known issue. (Imo). They don’t want the circus discussion distraction dividing fanbase, being a talking point, and/ or disrespecing the players beliefs.
Sounds like it’s more than just injuries. It’s not for everyone. Young enough to do what he really wants.
Wasn’t Royce White also the 16th overall pick for the Houston Rockets?
Houston also retires all the Barry’s
Except Griffin was drafted by Hawks
I’m surprised he’s stuck around in basketball this long – it’s pretty clear his true passion is quoting bible verses on social media.
If only he defended ball-handlers as well as he defended his beliefs, maybe he’d be worth a rotation spot.
Maybe his belief is what is driving him towards preaching the word of god. You can’t blame the guy if he rather give up millions to go with his heart, his beliefs. It’s a respectable choice considering most people oppose religion. I wish him the best in his future endeavors
There was an Oakland Athletics top prospect about ten years ago who left baseball right before he reached the majors so he could go into the ministry. It’s a brave choice to walk away from a potential payday, whatever the reason. Not one I would make, but still.
Great for him, if he has found his true calling.
He hasn’t really been given a chance, the Hawks basically drafted wings every year and they had multiple picks in drafts. He is now on Houston where they already have an established core. If he really wants to leave the game because he fell out of love with it then good, he shouldn’t force himself to do it. If he is just frustrated with lack of opportunity he just has to get better or be willing to play on a terrible team to showcase.
Literally has one of the easiest jobs now. Nothing is expected of him.
The issue is almost certainly physical. AJ had knee issues before arriving at Duke, already having had two knee surgeries. It was reported on at various time in the recruiting process, and prior to the draft, but without much detail.