close
close
Skip to main content
metropolis
Video: AJ Griffin explains his retirement from the NBA after Rockets contract buyout | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Video: AJ Griffin explains his retirement from the NBA after Rockets contract buyout | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Vaseline 2 months ago

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: AJ Griffin #14 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on July 15, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

The Houston Rockets and forward AJ Griffin agreed to a buyout earlier in the NBA season. On Saturday, Griffin said in a YouTube video that he was indeed retiring from the sport, announcing his intention to enter “full-time ministry.”

“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” he said in the video. “I know this seems like a loss to many people. But I just wanted to let you know that I’m super excited because I get to truly serve God.”

As for why he couldn’t pursue basketball and ministry at the same time, Griffin said he felt like he was being called to let go of basketball and start a new season in his life.

The 21-year-old and former Duke Blue Devil was the No. 16 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft for the Atlanta Hawks. He spent two seasons in Atlanta, averaging 7.5 points and 1.9 rebounds over 92 games (12 starts).

However, he was largely out of the rotation last season and spent time away from the team for personal reasons in December.

This offseason, he was traded to the Rockets in a three-team deal with Atlanta and the Miami Heat, sending the No. 43 overall pick in this year’s draft, Nikola Djurisic, to the Hawks and money considerations and Pelle Larsson ( the No. 44 overall pick in this year’s draft) to Miami.

Griffin probably wouldn’t have seen much playing time in Houston, with the likes of Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason and Jae’Sean Tate at forward. The Rockets are deep and Griffin might have struggled to find minutes.

His buyout opened up a new roster spot for the Rockets, but given the team’s impressive depth, it’s possible they could leave it open for flexibility in the trade market later in the season.