NBA
AJ Griffin, one step away from retirement after being released by the Rockets
The Rockets have released the young player, who is believed to have made the decision to leave basketball after two seasons in the NBA and at just 21 years old. The reasons are unknown.
There are situations in which defy explanation. That seems to be the case with AJ Griffin, a player who is only 21 years old but finds himself on the verge of retiring from basketball altogether.
AJ Griffin to step away from basketball
The reasons why have yet to come to light, but The Athletic’s Sham Charania reports that the Rockets have released the promising young player and that he is closer than ever to a change of career. And all of that before starting his third season in the NBA, a situation that leaves many unknowns and few answers, but that it is a personal decision on the part of the player.
Griffin made his mark at Duke University. With the Blue Devils, he averaged 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1 assist per game. At the end of the same season, 2021-22, he was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Rookie Team. Shortly after, he announced his intention to enter the NBA draft, thus giving up the rest of his academic process. During his college days, Griffin was surrounded by talents such as Paolo Banchero and Mark Williams, as well as other good players such as Trevor Keels and Wendell Moore.
Finally, he was chosen 16th overall in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks and made his NBA debut on October 23, 2022, scoring 8 points against the Hornets.
Rookie record
A month later, he scored 17 points against the Raptors, in addition to getting a buzzer beater - an achievement he repeated less than a month later against the Bulls on December 11. It was then that he became the first rookie since the legendary Toni Kukoc to score two game-winning shots as a rookie. In that season he averaged 8.9 points in 19.5 minutes of play.
Griffin’s second season was tough: he was less and less part of the rotation on a team dominated by Trae Young on offense and also featuring Dejounte Murray. His playing time in his sophomore season was considerably reduced and the player barely played 20 regular season games.
In the summer, he was traded to the Rockets to give him an exit to a team where he could enjoy playing time. However, for personal reasons, it seems that the young player has decided to retire from basketball and try something new. And at just 21 years old... such a shame.