The Houston Rockets have announced they are waiving A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout worth $250,000, marking a surprising turn of events for the promising young player. At just 21 years of age, Griffin has made the decision to step away from basketball, although it remains uncertain if this break will be temporary or if he will permanently retire from the sport.
Griffin's journey in the NBA began with high expectations. Drafted 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, he showcased his potential during his rookie season. Griffin, who played a single season at Duke before declaring for the draft, averaged nine points per game on an impressive 39% shooting from beyond the arc, in an average of 20 minutes of playtime per game. In addition to these stats, Griffin managed to score a career-high 24 points on two separate occasions, and he started in 12 games during that season.
However, Griffin's transition to the Houston Rockets marked the beginning of a challenging period in his career. The trade that brought Griffin to Houston involved sending the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, to the Hawks. Unfortunately, Griffin's performance with the Rockets, particularly during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, was far from stellar. These struggles prompted both Griffin and the Rockets to re-evaluate his future in the sport.
Adding to the complexity of his decision, Griffin is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. The legacy and influence of his father in the basketball world weigh heavily on the young player's shoulders as he navigates this pivotal career decision.
The decision to waive Griffin came at a time when he was deeply contemplating his future in basketball. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Griffin plans to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career." This hiatus is seen as an opportunity for Griffin to reflect and make a more informed decision about his basketball journey moving forward.
The Rockets' willingness to permit Griffin to take a break likely stems from his recent struggles on the court. Taking time off may offer potential benefits, allowing Griffin to re-energize and regain his confidence. This decision underscores the team's consideration for Griffin's well-being and long-term potential, as well as their understanding of the mental and physical demands of professional basketball.
As the basketball world watches and waits, the focus now shifts to Griffin's future and whether he will return to the court rejuvenated or decide to pursue a different path. The young talent's story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports careers, where early promise does not always guarantee lasting success, and personal well-being often takes precedent over professional aspirations.