Former first-round NBA draft pick A.J. Griffin has made a surprising decision to step away from professional basketball. The 21-year-old, who was drafted 16th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, recently announced his intention to pursue a spiritual calling instead.
Griffin's career in the NBA started with promise. After spending one season at Duke, where his performances captured the attention of scouts and fans alike, Griffin made the leap to the professional league. In his rookie season, he demonstrated significant potential, averaging nine points per game, showcasing a 39% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc, and logging an average of 20 minutes per game. Griffin also hit a career-best 24 points twice and earned a spot in the starting lineup 12 times.
However, despite these achievements, Griffin's journey in the NBA took an unexpected turn. He was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic, after playing 20 games last season. Griffin struggled to find his footing with the Rockets, particularly at the Las Vegas Summer League in July, which ultimately led to his release from the team on September 20.
Following his release, Griffin received a $250,000 contract buyout, which likely provided him some financial cushioning. It was during this time that Griffin made the bold decision to step away from the spotlight of professional sports and dedicate his life to his faith.
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin declared. "And I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that seems like – it 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 departure from the court comes not only as a surprise but also as a reminder of the immense pressures and personal decisions faced by professional athletes. His famous lineage adds another layer to the story. A.J. Griffin is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Adrian Griffin’s career in the NBA as a player and coach is well-regarded, and his son's decision to pivot from such a promising career path to serve a higher calling underscores the deeply personal nature of this choice.
This shift in Griffin's life invites a broader reflection on the multifaceted identities of athletes beyond their roles on the court and the field. While the sports world is abuzz with his unexpected departure, Griffin's decision to prioritize his faith over his profession exemplifies a different kind of courage and integrity.
Athletes, like all of us, navigate their paths by balancing their passions, responsibilities, and personal beliefs. Griffin’s choice serves as a potent reminder that the lives of athletes can be as dynamic and complex as the sports they play.
The young athlete's pivot to full-time ministry marks a new chapter in his life, one that will draw upon the discipline and determination he exhibited on the court. As the sports community watches this new journey with interest, Griffin’s decision continues to spark dialogue about the broader purposes and callings that shape our lives, both within and outside the realm of professional sports.
For now, A.J. Griffin's story is a testament to following one's heart, even when it leads away from the court and into the unknown. His leap of faith, driven by a desire to serve a higher purpose, reshapes our understanding of what it truly means to succeed, both in sports and in life.