The Houston Rockets have made a significant roster move by waiving A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout worth $250,000. At just 21 years old, Griffin finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating a step away from basketball. Whether this hiatus will be temporary or permanent remains uncertain.
Griffin's Career So Far
Griffin, a promising young talent, was selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks after playing a standout season at Duke. During his rookie year, Griffin demonstrated his potential by averaging nine points per game, shooting an impressive 39% from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of play. He reached his career-best performance by scoring 24 points twice and started in 12 games that season.
Challenges with the Rockets
Despite these promising beginnings, Griffin's career took a turn when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. The trade, which involved sending the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, to the Hawks, placed Griffin in a new environment that proved challenging. Griffin struggled to find his footing with the Rockets, particularly during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, which likely contributed to the franchise's decision to reassess his role on the team.
A Difficult Decision
The decision to waive Griffin comes at a time when he is reevaluating his future in the sport. 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 has been influenced by his recent struggles on the court and the potential benefits of taking a break.
A Family Legacy
Griffin's journey in basketball is deeply rooted in his family legacy. He is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. This background has undoubtedly shaped his approach to the game and will likely play a role in his decision-making process moving forward.
For the Rockets, allowing Griffin the space to sit out the upcoming season appears to be a considerate move, recognizing the young athlete's need for time away from the pressures of professional sports. This hiatus could potentially serve as a crucial period for Griffin to recover mentally and physically, recharging his passion for the game.
The Future Awaits
As the basketball community awaits Griffin's next move, the focus will undoubtedly be on how this young athlete navigates this pivotal moment in his career. His talent and potential have been evident, but the path forward will require careful consideration and support from his support system and incoming opportunities.
In the fast-paced world of professional sports, taking a step back can sometimes lead to a more promising future. For A.J. Griffin, the upcoming season will be a defining period, whether it leads to a return to the NBA or a new direction entirely.