Former Atlanta Hawks first-round choose A.J. Griffin introduced that he has determined to step away from basketball, confirming earlier reviews. The 21-year-old Griffin was waived by the Houston Rockets on Sept. 20 after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks and obtained a $250,000 contract buyout, based on Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. 

There was a little bit of ambiguity surrounding Griffin, who was drafted No. 16 total by the Hawks in 2022, and why precisely he determined to take a break from basketball. He lately specified his causes, nonetheless, saying he “gave up basketball to observe Jesus” and is working to grow to be a minister.

“I gave up basketball to observe Jesus,” Griffin mentioned. “And I do know that in lots of people’s eyes, that looks as if — it looks as if a loss on the planet’s eyes. However, I simply wish to allow you to guys know that I am tremendous excited as a result of I really get to serve God, you understand, with my full Sure, and I really feel like letting go of basketball is permitting me to, you understand, go into full-time ministry and actually serving the Lord with all my coronary heart — with all my time too, as nicely. So, I am simply excited to see the place that leads me.”

Griffin, the son of former Milwaukee Bucks head coach and NBA participant Adrian Griffin, was drafted by the Hawks after one season at Duke, and his NBA profession acquired off to a promising begin. He proved instantly that he could possibly be an impactful shooter, averaging 9 factors on 39% 3-point capturing in 20 minutes per recreation as a rookie. He scored a career-best 24 factors twice and cracked the beginning lineup 12 instances. 

However he solely performed 20 video games final season earlier than being dealt to Houston this summer season in alternate for No. 43 total choose Nikola Durisic. Griffin struggled with the Rockets on the Las Vegas Summer time League in July, earlier than making the choice to step away from basketball.