Former Hawks First-Round Pick A.J. Griffin Steps Away from NBA to Pursue Spiritual Calling
In a surprising development that reverberated through the basketball world, former Atlanta Hawks first-round draft pick A.J. Griffin has announced his departure from professional basketball to pursue a spiritual calling. The 21-year-old, who was selected 16th overall by the Hawks in the 2022 NBA Draft, made his decision public recently, marking a significant shift in his life's trajectory.
Griffin's announcement comes on the heels of his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20, just months after a challenging stint in the Las Vegas Summer League. Released after struggling to find his form during the summer showcase, Griffin's career in the NBA appeared at a crossroads. His contract buyout from the Rockets was finalized for $250,000, paving the way for his next chapter.
A.J. Griffin's journey in the NBA was brief but notable. After a promising collegiate season at Duke, Griffin entered the league with high expectations. During his rookie season, he averaged nine points per game, demonstrating his skill as a shooter with a 39% efficiency from beyond the arc. He logged an average of 20 minutes per game and earned a spot in the starting lineup 12 times. Griffin reached a career-best 24 points on two occasions, showcasing glimpses of his potential.
Despite these achievements, Griffin's path took an unexpected turn when he was traded to the Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. He played only 20 games last season before the trade, and his struggles during the Summer League compounded his challenges, leading to his release.
Griffin's departure from the court, however, is more than a response to professional setbacks; it reflects a deeper personal transformation. In a heartfelt statement, Griffin revealed his new direction: "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus." He continued, "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 underscores the profound influence of his family background. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Adrian Griffin's career in the NBA, both as a player and a coach, undoubtedly shaped A.J.'s early aspirations and experiences in basketball. The younger Griffin's move away from the sport signifies not only a departure from his professional path but also a redefinition of his personal ambitions and values.
While Griffin's choice to leave the NBA at such a young age is rare, it's not entirely unprecedented. Athletes across various sports have occasionally stepped back from their professional careers to pursue different passions or personal callings. Griffin's case, however, stands out due to his age and the promising potential that seemed to lie ahead in his NBA career.
As Griffin embarks on his new spiritual journey, his story serves as a testament to the diverse paths athletes can choose to take. It illuminates the multifaceted nature of personal fulfillment and the sometimes unpredictable directions life can lead, even for those who have seemingly reached the pinnacle of professional sports.
The basketball community, while understandably surprised, has expressed support and curiosity about Griffin's next steps. His journey from a promising NBA career to full-time ministry highlights a narrative of faith, dedication, and personal conviction. As Griffin himself expressed, this is a new chapter filled with excitement and purpose as he dedicates his time and heart to his spiritual calling.