In a surprising turn of events, the Houston Rockets have parted ways with 21-year-old A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout valued at $250,000. Griffin, who was drafted 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, now finds himself at a crossroads early in his professional basketball career.
A Promising Start
Griffin's journey began with high expectations. After a single season at Duke, he entered the NBA with a reputation for his shooting prowess and versatility on the wing. During his rookie season, Griffin displayed flashes of brilliance, averaging nine points per game with an impressive 39% shooting from beyond the arc. Despite limited playing time, clocking in at 20 minutes per game, he managed to score a career-high 24 points on two occasions and started 12 games for the Hawks.
The Trade and Subsequent Struggles
The promising young player's career took an unexpected turn when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. The trade, which involved sending the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, to Atlanta, hoped to benefit both teams. However, Griffin struggled to find his footing with the Rockets, particularly during the Las Vegas Summer League this past July. His performance raised concerns about his fit within the team's system and his overall trajectory.
A Difficult Decision
Griffin's struggles reached a tipping point, which led to the recent decision to waive him. Sources indicate that this move came as the young forward was contemplating his future in the sport. Griffin, it appears, is taking this opportunity to reassess his career path. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Griffin is planning to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career." This period of reflection may help the former first-round pick determine the best course of action moving forward.
Family Ties and Future Uncertainties
Adding another layer to Griffin's story is his background. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and currently the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. This connection to the game has undoubtedly played a significant role in his development and decision-making process. Yet, Griffin's future in professional basketball remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether his hiatus will be temporary or permanent.
The Rockets' agreement to allow Griffin to sit out the forthcoming season seems to be a compassionate gesture, taking into account his recent troubles on the court and the potential benefits of a break. This move suggests that both the player and the organization see value in taking a step back to potentially return stronger.
As Griffin steps away from the court, the basketball world will watch closely to see how his journey unfolds. Will he return rejuvenated and ready to fulfill the promise that marked his entry into the league, or will he chart a new path outside of professional basketball? Only time will tell.