A.J. Griffin Steps Away from Basketball to Pursue Ministry
In a surprising turn of events, former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick A.J. Griffin has announced his decision to step away from professional basketball. Griffin, who was drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in 2022, has recently confirmed this significant shift in his life.
Griffin's departure comes on the heels of his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20, a move that reportedly came with a $250,000 contract buyout. The 21-year-old athlete, who played one season at Duke before entering the NBA, has chosen to dedicate his life to a higher calling.
A Promising Career
During his rookie season, Griffin showcased his potential, averaging nine points per game while boasting a respectable 39% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc. He logged an average of 20 minutes per game and scored a career-best 24 points on two occasions. His performance earned him a spot in the starting lineup 12 times throughout his debut season.
Griffin's career trajectory took a turn when he was traded to the Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. He played 20 games last season before struggling at the Las Vegas Summer League in July. These struggles ultimately led to his release from the Rockets and, subsequently, his decision to step away from professional basketball.
A New Path
Griffin's decision to leave the court was met with mixed reactions, but for him, it was a deeply personal choice rooted in faith. "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin revealed. "And I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that 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 to pursue a spiritual calling reflects a significant departure from a promising athletic career. As the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, A.J. was no stranger to the rigors and rewards of professional basketball. His father’s legacy undoubtedly played a role in shaping his early aspirations.
Family and Faith
Adrian Griffin’s experience in the NBA provided a model for A.J.'s own ambitions. However, A.J.'s path has diverged in a way few might have anticipated. His choice to follow a spiritual calling rather than continuing his basketball career underscores a commitment to personal faith and service over professional achievement.
The decision to leave behind a burgeoning career to pursue full-time ministry highlights A.J. Griffin's dedication to his beliefs. His journey serves as a reminder that success and fulfillment can be defined in various ways, and for Griffin, that definition now lies beyond the basketball court.