A.J. Griffin Steps Away from Basketball to Pursue Spiritual Calling
Former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick A.J. Griffin has brought an abrupt end to his budding professional basketball career, opting to leave the hardwood and follow what he describes as a higher calling. The decision, which he announced recently, has sent ripples through the basketball community.
Selected 16th overall by the Hawks in the 2022 NBA Draft, Griffin, now 21, quickly established himself as a promising talent. He made a notable impact in his rookie season, averaging nine points per game and maintaining a 39% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc. Griffin also logged an average of 20 minutes per game, earning a spot in the starting lineup 12 times and twice scoring a career-best 24 points.
Despite these achievements, Griffin's time on the court was short-lived. He played just one season at Duke before entering the NBA, where his journey took an unexpected turn. Midway through what seemed to be a promising career, Griffin was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. Griffin played 20 games last season before the trade.
Griffin's tenure with the Rockets, however, was brief and tumultuous. He struggled mightily at the Las Vegas Summer League in July, which precipitated his release from the team on September 20. Following his release, Griffin received a $250,000 contract buyout, further highlighting the abrupt nature of his departure from professional basketball.
Shortly after his release, Griffin shocked the sporting world by announcing his decision to retire from professional basketball, citing a deep spiritual calling as the reason behind his decision. In a heartfelt statement, Griffin said, "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus." He further elaborated on his decision, saying, "And I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that seems like – it 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."
Griffin’s decision is not only atypical but also considerably bold, given his young age and the potential that he showed early in his career. The choice to forgo a career in professional sports to focus on full-time ministry speaks volumes about Griffin's conviction and the profound impact that his faith has had on his life.
A.J. Griffin's story is made all the more compelling by his lineage; he is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Adrian Griffin's career in the NBA, both as a player and a coach, underscores the significant departure that A.J. is making from the path his father trod in the professional basketball world.
This surprising turn of events leaves many fans and analysts reflecting on the unpredictable nature of sports careers and the powerful personal journeys that athletes undergo. As A.J. Griffin steps away from the court to embark on his spiritual path, he leaves behind a story that will undoubtedly be remembered for its unexpected and inspirational nature.