AJ Griffin is reportedly giving serious consideration to stepping away from basketball, according to sources close to Shams Charania and Kelly Iko of The Athletic. This news comes as a surprise to many, particularly since the Houston Rockets had just acquired Griffin from the Atlanta Hawks during this past offseason. While Griffin’s departure isn’t final yet, preparations are being made for his potential exit from the sport.
Griffin was selected as the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft after a standout career at Duke, where his combination of athleticism and scoring ability made him a highly regarded prospect. Represented by agents Austin Brown, Steven Heumann, and Max Saidman, Griffin entered the league with significant expectations.
His rookie season with the Hawks showed flashes of promise as he played in 72 games, averaging 8.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 19.5 minutes per game. However, last season saw a noticeable decline in his on-court role and production, as Griffin appeared in just 20 games, averaging 2.4 points in 8.5 minutes per contest. This drop-off in playing time and opportunities has raised questions about his future in the league.
If Griffin does decide to step away from basketball, it will mark an unexpected turn in what was once a promising young career. The Rockets, meanwhile, may need to reevaluate their plans moving forward, especially considering they had envisioned Griffin as a potential piece of their rebuilding process. For now, the NBA community will await Griffin’s final decision on his career path.
AJ Griffin Considering Stepping Away From Basketball https://t.co/y2HRZoG4x0
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 13, 2024
