Former Atlanta Hawks First-Round Pick A.J. Griffin Steps Away from Basketball to Pursue Spiritual Calling
In a surprising turn of events, former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick A.J. Griffin has announced his decision to step away from professional basketball. The 21-year-old, who was drafted 16th overall by the Hawks in 2022, recently confirmed this significant shift in his life, driven by a heartfelt spiritual calling.
Griffin's departure from the court comes shortly after his release from the Houston Rockets on September 20, following a tough stint at the Las Vegas Summer League in July. His release from the Rockets was accompanied by a $250,000 contract buyout. This pivot marks a momentous juncture in the young athlete's journey, as he embarks on a path entirely different from the hardwood floors of the NBA.
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin stated, eloquently capturing the essence of his decision. "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 career, while brief, showcased significant promise. He played one season at Duke before declaring for the NBA draft. During his rookie season with the Hawks, Griffin averaged nine points per game, demonstrating a remarkable shooting efficiency of 39% from beyond the arc. His contributions were substantial during his 20 minutes of playing time per game, where he also managed to score a career-best 24 points on two occasions. Griffin earned a starting spot in 12 games during that season, evidencing his potential as a vital asset to the team.
However, Griffin’s journey was marred by challenges. He played 20 games last season before being traded to the Rockets in exchange for the 43rd overall pick, Nikola Durisic. Griffin’s struggles continued at the Las Vegas Summer League, ultimately leading to his release by the Rockets.
The decision to leave basketball is underpinned by Griffin’s deep-rooted faith. He described the move as a way to serve God fully, committing himself to full-time ministry and devoting all his heart and time to his faith.
Griffin's father, Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, undoubtedly holds a significant influence in his life. However, the younger Griffin's decision to prioritize his faith over a promising basketball career is an intensely personal and profound choice, marking a new chapter in his life.
This decision has been met with a mix of reactions from the sports community and fans. While some view it as a loss for the sport, others admire his courage to follow his convictions so resolutely. It’s a decision that speaks volumes about Griffin’s character and the values that steer his life.
As Griffin steps away from the limelight of professional sports, he embarks on a path of spiritual fulfillment. His journey from a budding basketball star to a devoted servant of his faith underscores a narrative of personal evolution and unwavering passion.
While his future in professional basketball remains uncertain, Griffin’s commitment to his spiritual calling signals a turning point. Whether or not he returns to the sport, his story will stand as a testament to the powerful intersections of faith and ambition, and the sometimes unexpected paths life may lead us down.