The Houston Rockets have made the decision to waive A.J. Griffin through a $250,000 contract buyout, a surprising move considering the young player’s potential and recent draft status. Griffin, who is only 21 years old, is now contemplating stepping away from basketball, an unusual decision for someone at such an early stage of their career.
Griffin’s journey in the NBA began with significant promise. He was selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks after showcasing his talent with a single season at Duke. During his rookie year, Griffin averaged nine points per game, boasting an impressive 39% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of play per game. Highlighting his scoring ability, Griffin managed to notch a career-best 24 points on two occasions and earned a starting position in 12 games.
The transition to the professional stage, however, proved to be challenging. Following a trade that brought him to the Houston Rockets, Griffin's performance began to wane. The trade, which involved sending the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, to the Hawks, was expected to provide Griffin with new opportunities. Unfortunately, his struggles became more pronounced, particularly during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, where he struggled to find his rhythm and consistency.
The story takes another twist with Griffin’s lineage to basketball. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. This connection adds another layer to Griffin’s decision to take a step back from the sport. The pressures and expectations of living up to a family legacy in professional sports can be overwhelming, and it seems Griffin is in the midst of a period of introspection regarding his future in basketball.
A Somber Decision
The Rockets’ decision to waive Griffin aligns with his own thoughts about his career trajectory. As stated, Griffin is planning to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career," according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. This hiatus will provide Griffin the much-needed space to evaluate his path forward, unburdened by the immediate pressures of performance and professional demands.
For the Rockets, allowing Griffin to sit out the upcoming season is a decision influenced by his recent struggles and the acknowledged benefits of taking a break. The franchise recognizes that a period away from the game might help Griffin return with renewed vigor or, alternatively, give him the clarity to transition into a new phase of his life outside of basketball.
The Road Ahead
At this juncture, the future of A.J. Griffin in the NBA remains uncertain. While some might view his early potential and the challenges he faced as part of his development, others may see this as a cautionary tale about the volatility of professional sports careers. Regardless of the outcome, Griffin's story is a testament to the personal battles athletes often face away from the limelight, decisions that go beyond statistics and game highlights.
Griffin’s case will undoubtedly be watched closely by enthusiasts and analysts alike. Whether he returns rejuvenated or decides to explore new avenues, his journey reflects the broader narrative of athletes' mental and emotional well-being in the high-stakes world of professional sports. The basketball community will support either of his choices, recognizing the courage in making such a pivotal decision.
As the Rockets and Griffin part ways, his career remains a poignant example of the unpredictable nature of sports and the profound impact of personal and professional crossroads.