Houston Rockets Waive A.J. Griffin After Buyout
The Houston Rockets have made the decision to waive A.J. Griffin, agreeing to a contract buyout worth $250,000. This unexpected move significantly alters the trajectory for the 21-year-old Griffin, who is now contemplating stepping away from basketball entirely.
Having been selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Griffin's entry into the NBA was marked by promise and potential. His collegiate career at Duke, although brief, demonstrated enough talent to make him a desirable prospect. As a rookie, Griffin averaged nine points per game, bolstered by an impressive 39% shooting from beyond the arc in 20 minutes per game. His offensive prowess was evident, with career-best performances where he scored 24 points on two separate occasions.
Despite these early flashes of brilliance, Griffin's transition to NBA life has been anything but smooth. He started in 12 games during his rookie season, but following a trade to the Houston Rockets, things began to unravel. The trade deal saw Griffin exchanged for the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, and an opportunity for a fresh start was marred by struggles, particularly illustrated during the Las Vegas Summer League last July.
Griffin's lineage in basketball is notable. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and currently the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite having a mentor with extensive professional experience, A.J. Griffin has found it challenging to establish his footing with the Rockets. His father’s illustrious career and current coaching role add a layer of complexity to his current predicament.
It appears the decision to waive Griffin arose partly from his well-documented struggles in adapting to his new environment, and partly from his own contemplation of his future in the sport. According to reports by Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Griffin plans to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career."
The Rockets' decision to permit Griffin to take a hiatus underscores a mutual understanding of the benefits that could come from a break. With his recent performance struggling to meet expectations, both the team and Griffin likely see this hiatus as an opportunity for him to regroup and reflect on his career goals.
Griffin stepping away from basketball at such a tender age raises numerous questions about his future. Is this break a precursor to an eventual comeback, or is it the prelude to an early retirement? As the young player deliberates his next steps, the basketball community is left to speculate about what the future holds for Griffin.
A high draft pick with an impressive collegiate record, Griffin’s potential seemed boundless. However, the reality of professional sports can be harsh and unforgiving. Whether Griffin’s hiatus will provide him the clarity and rejuvenation he needs to reignite his career remains to be seen.
For now, the Houston Rockets move forward, making space on their roster and perhaps keeping an eye on Griffin's future, should he decide to return. In the high-stakes world of the NBA, decisions like these are part and parcel of the business, affecting not just the teams but the careers and lives of players like Griffin.
As Griffin contemplates his future, fans and analysts will undoubtedly follow his journey with keen interest, hoping for resolution and clarity in what has become a critical juncture in his early career.