Former NBA Player AJ Griffin Retires to Pursue Ministry

In a surprising turn of events, former NBA player AJ Griffin has announced his retirement from professional basketball to pursue a career in full-time ministry. The announcement was made by Griffin in a YouTube video where he expressed his joy and commitment to serving God.

‘I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,’ Griffin stated in the video. ‘I know that in a lot of people’s eyes, that seems like a loss. But I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m super excited because I truly get to serve God.’

Griffin, who is 21 years old, was a standout player for the Duke Blue Devils and was selected as the No. 16 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. During his two seasons with the Hawks, Griffin averaged 7.5 points and 1.9 rebounds in 92 games, including 12 starts. However, he faced challenges securing consistent playing time and took a leave in December for personal reasons.

This offseason, Griffin was traded to the Houston Rockets in a complex three-team deal involving the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat. The trade included several draft picks and cash considerations, ultimately positioning Griffin with the Rockets. Despite the transition, sources within the Rockets organization expected that Griffin would have struggled to find significant playing time given the presence of other forwards like Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, and Cam Whitmore.

Griffin’s departure from the Rockets opens up a roster spot, potentially benefiting the team’s strategy moving forward. The Rockets, already noted for their strong lineup, might explore the trade market to further enhance their performance as the season progresses.