Just three months after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Houston Rockets, 21-year-old forward AJ Griffin announced his surprise retirement from the NBA to pursue a career in ministry. In a heartfelt video posted on YouTube, Griffin revealed that his decision was driven by his deepening faith and a desire to fully dedicate his life to serving God.
“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin said in the video. “I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with all my heart and with all my time. I could feel the Lord calling me to let go of basketball and serve Him more.”
Griffin’s announcement marks an unexpected turn in what had been a promising young career in professional basketball. A standout player at Duke University, Griffin entered the NBA as the 16th overall pick in the 2022 draft, selected by the Atlanta Hawks.
His rookie season showed great potential, as he averaged 8.9 points per game, shooting an impressive 39% from beyond the arc, all while logging 19.5 minutes per game. Griffin was praised for his shooting ability, athleticism, and versatility, and many viewed him as an important part of the Hawks’ future.
However, Griffin’s second year in the league was marked by challenges, both on and off the court. He played in just 20 games during the 2023-24 season, seeing his minutes reduced to 8.6 per game. His struggles with consistency and confidence were compounded by personal tragedy, which caused him to miss several weeks of the season. Despite the hurdles, the basketball community continued to believe in Griffin’s potential.
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In June 2024, Griffin was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a larger offseason overhaul by Atlanta. Houston viewed him as a reclamation project, hoping that a change of scenery would help the young forward regain his form. But his struggles persisted, particularly during the 2024 NBA Summer League, where Griffin failed to make a significant impact. Soon after, he and the Rockets reached a buyout agreement, effectively ending his contract with the team.
Griffin’s sudden decision to retire and focus on his faith caught many by surprise, given his young age and the talent he had shown in flashes. His journey from a promising rookie to a player stepping away from the game after only two years is certainly unusual, but Griffin expressed peace with his choice, believing that his calling to ministry was stronger than his love for basketball.
“For me, this is not the end—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter,” Griffin said in his video message. “I know I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m excited to see where this path takes me.”
While Griffin’s departure leaves an open roster spot for the Rockets, the team has not yet announced any plans to fill the vacancy as they prepare for the 2024-25 season, with training camps set to begin on October 1. The Rockets had hoped Griffin could be a part of their young core, but now they’ll shift focus elsewhere as they continue to rebuild around rising stars like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.
Griffin’s story is a rare one in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of professional sports, where players are often defined by their on-court performances.
For Griffin, however, his purpose has taken him beyond basketball, and his retirement at such a young age will be remembered as a testament to his unwavering faith.
His decision also serves as a reminder of the personal struggles athletes can face behind the scenes, even as they compete at the highest level.
Griffin’s choice to step away from a lucrative NBA career in favor of pursuing a higher calling is sure to inspire discussions about life after sports and the importance of finding meaning beyond athletic achievements.
For now, AJ Griffin is leaving the game he once loved to answer what he believes is a greater purpose.
