The Houston Rockets have made a significant roster adjustment, deciding to waive A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout worth $250,000. This decision comes as the 21-year-old forward contemplates a hiatus from basketball, raising questions about his future in the sport.
A Young Career with Promise
Griffin's journey in professional basketball began with high expectations. Selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Griffin had a promising start. Before entering the NBA, he showcased his talents at Duke, playing a single season where his performance caught the eyes of scouts and analysts. As a rookie, Griffin demonstrated his shooting prowess by averaging nine points per game with an impressive 39% accuracy from beyond the arc in just 20 minutes of play. His potential was further highlighted by two standout performances where he scored a career-best 24 points.
A Rocky Transition
Despite his promising rookie season, Griffin’s transition to the Houston Rockets proved to be challenging. Traded to the Rockets in a deal that saw the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, move to the Hawks, Griffin struggled to find his footing with his new team. His difficulties were especially evident during the Las Vegas Summer League last July. Consequently, Griffin's performance seemed to wane, leading to less impact on the court.
Family Ties and Future Contemplations
The influences surrounding Griffin's career are understandably significant. Son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, A.J. was surrounded by basketball from a young age. Despite these strong ties to the sport, the younger Griffin has found himself reassessing his path. According to reports from the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen, Griffin is planning to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career."
The Rockets’ Decision
The Rockets' decision to waive Griffin likely stems from a combination of his recent struggles and the potential benefits of allowing a young player to take a reflective break. Although surprising for a player so early in his career, it underscores the organization's sensitivity to the mental and professional well-being of their athletes. The hope may be that some time away from the pressures and rigors of the NBA could offer Griffin the clarity he needs regarding his future.
Looking Ahead
Whether Griffin's hiatus from basketball will be temporary or permanent remains uncertain. The decision to step away at just 21 years old is significant and speaks to the broader challenges young athletes face in professional sports. As Griffin takes this time to evaluate his career, the basketball community will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on him. His story serves as a reminder of the human elements behind the stats and scores, highlighting the personal journeys that shape professional athletes.
As the 2024-25 NBA season progresses, the Rockets will continue to navigate their roster without Griffin, and fans will wait to see if and when the young forward might return to the hardwood. For now, A.J. Griffin's future remains a story in progress, written day by day as he considers his next steps in the realm of professional basketball.