A.J. Griffin Steps Away from Professional Basketball to Pursue Spiritual Calling
In a surprising turn of events, A.J. Griffin, the former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick, has announced his decision to step away from professional basketball. Griffin, drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in 2022, has chosen to leave behind a burgeoning career in the NBA to pursue a spiritual calling.
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin stated in his announcement, marking a significant shift in his life. While many in the basketball community and fans may view this decision as unexpected, Griffin expressed his excitement for this new chapter. "And I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that seems like – it seems like a loss in the world's eyes. But, I just want to let you guys know that I'm super excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full Yes, and I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to, you know, go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart – with all my time too, as well. So, I'm just excited to see where that leads me."
Griffin's announcement comes shortly after his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20, following struggles at the Las Vegas Summer League in July. Griffin had joined the Rockets from the Hawks in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic, playing 20 games before his release. Despite this recent career hiccup, the 21-year-old's decision to leave the court seems rooted in a deeper personal journey rather than professional setbacks.
During his rookie season with the Hawks, Griffin showcased promising talent. He logged an average of 20 minutes per game, with a shooting efficiency of 39% from beyond the arc and an average of nine points per game. Standout moments included scoring a career-best 24 points on two occasions and earning a spot in the starting lineup 12 times. Yet, his transition to the Rockets did not go as smoothly as hoped, culminating in his release after an underwhelming performance in the Summer League.
Griffin's choice to pursue a spiritual path over a potentially lucrative basketball career is a decision that highlights the divergent paths athletes sometimes take. With a $250,000 contract buyout from the Rockets in hand, Griffin is turning his focus entirely towards ministry and service.
Griffin played one season at Duke before entering the NBA, where he was a key player, showcasing his skills and making a name for himself ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft. It was at Duke that Griffin displayed the potential that would eventually make him a first-round pick. However, his journey in the NBA, while notable, was brief.
For many fans and followers of Griffin's career, the news of his departure comes as a shock. Yet, those who know his background understand that this decision is deeply influenced by his personal beliefs and family. Griffin is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Adrian Griffin's career has clearly inspired his son's dedication to the sport, but A.J. now forges a different path, one outside the confines of professional athletics.
As Griffin transitions away from basketball, the sports community will no doubt reflect on his time in the league with mixed emotions. Fans, teammates, and coaches alike will miss his presence on the court, but his commitment to his faith and the certainty with which he has made this decision suggest he is at peace with leaving the game behind. His journey moving forward will be one of spiritual and personal growth, tackling challenges and opportunities far different from those on the hardwood.
Griffin's story serves as a powerful reminder that the paths we take in life are often guided by more than just professional ambitions. For A.J. Griffin, the choice to dedicate himself fully to his faith is a testament to his character and the principles he holds dear.