The basketball world was hit with surprising news as the Houston Rockets opted to waive young talent A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout worth $250,000. This move comes at a pivotal moment in Griffin's nascent career as the 21-year-old contemplates a potential departure from the sport.
A.J. Griffin, who was selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, showcased notable potential during his rookie season. Playing a single year at Duke, Griffin quickly made his mark on the professional stage. As a rookie, he averaged nine points per game and impressed with a sharp 39% shooting from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of play. He even set his career-best with 24 points, a feat he achieved twice during the season. Despite starting 12 games, Griffin’s trajectory faced turbulence following his move to the Houston Rockets.
Struggles and Setbacks
The transition to the Rockets proved challenging for Griffin. The difficulties were particularly evident during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, where he struggled to find his footing. Coupled with the burden of being traded in exchange for the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, these struggles seemed to weigh heavily on the young player.
"Sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career," Griffin said, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. This sentiment resonated deeply within the organization, influencing the Rockets’ decision to permit Griffin's hiatus. The team recognized the potential benefits of allowing him to step back and reconsider his future, especially given his recent struggles.
A Legacy and Future Uncertain
Griffin's contemplation of his future isn’t occurring in a vacuum. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Such an illustrious lineage adds an intriguing layer to A.J.'s career trajectory. While it's still uncertain whether his hiatus will be temporary or permanent, the decision to waive him indicates a significant juncture in his professional life.
The decision was not made lightly. At the age of 21, stepping away from professional basketball, even temporarily, is a significant and, perhaps, necessary maneuver for Griffin, whose early career has already seen a mixture of promising highs and challenging lows. As he steps back, both fans and analysts will keenly watch to see if this break will reinvigorate him, providing clarity and determination, or if it signals the end of his basketball journey.
Regardless of whether A.J. Griffin returns to the hardwood or explores new horizons, his brief stint has already left a memorable imprint. With a bright future still potentially ahead, the basketball community remains hopeful that Griffin's eventual decision will lead to greater successes, whether on or off the court.