The Houston Rockets have made the decision to waive promising young player A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout worth $250,000. At just 21 years old, Griffin has decided to step away from basketball, leaving many to wonder whether his hiatus will be temporary or permanent.
Griffin made a notable entrance into the NBA when he was selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He had played a single season at Duke, showcasing significant potential. During his rookie year, Griffin averaged nine points per game, demonstrating his shooting prowess with a 39% success rate from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of play per game. Among his notable achievements was scoring a career-best 24 points in two games, and he earned a starting position in 12 games that season.
The trajectory of Griffin's career took a turn when the Atlanta Hawks traded him to the Houston Rockets. The trade package included sending the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, to the Hawks. Following the trade, Griffin struggled to find his footing with the Rockets, particularly during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, where his performance fell short of expectations.
The decision to waive Griffin came as he was already contemplating his future within the sport. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Griffin plans to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career." The Rockets’ management appears to have considered his recent struggles and the potential benefits of taking a break in their decision to permit Griffin's hiatus.
Griffin's basketball aspirations were nurtured from a young age, underscored by his lineage as the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. However, despite the strong basketball legacy and his early successes, the young athlete's professional journey has encountered significant challenges.
The question now looming over the basketball world is whether Griffin will return after his hiatus or if this break signifies a more permanent departure from the sport. The uncertainties surrounding his decision leave room for speculation, but also hope that during this period, Griffin will find clarity and perhaps reignite his passion for the game.
This development serves as a sobering reminder of the pressures and expectations placed on young athletes. While Griffin’s next steps remain uncertain, the focus remains on his well-being and future, both on and off the court.
In a league where careers can oscillate dramatically, A.J. Griffin's story is a poignant example of the unpredictable nature of professional sports. For now, all eyes will be on the young player as he navigates this critical juncture in his career, contemplating his next move and the potential continuation of his basketball journey.