In a surprising move, the Houston Rockets have decided to waive A.J. Griffin following a contract buyout worth $250,000. Griffin, who had shown significant promise early in his career, is now poised to step away from basketball at the young age of 21. The decision has sparked discussions throughout the NBA community about Griffin's potential and future in the sport.
An Early Promise
Selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Griffin entered the league with considerable expectations. His college performance at Duke, where he played a single season, showcased his potential as a future NBA star. During his rookie season, Griffin averaged nine points per game, impressing with a solid 39% shooting from beyond the arc in just 20 minutes of play. Notably, he managed to score a career-best 24 points twice, further highlighting his scoring prowess.
Griffin's debut season saw him starting in 12 games, an indication of the faith the Hawks had in his abilities. However, in a trade move that saw the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, heading to Atlanta, Griffin was transferred to the Houston Rockets.
Struggles and Speculations
Despite the high hopes pinned on him, Griffin struggled to find his footing with the Rockets. His performance in the Las Vegas Summer League last July was particularly rough, raising concerns about his adaptability and mental state. The trade and subsequent struggles seemed to have rattled the young player, who is also the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The decision to waive Griffin is believed to be influenced by his recent performance issues and the Rockets' acknowledgment that a break might be beneficial for the young athlete. Griffin himself has been contemplating his future in the sport. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Griffin plans to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career."
A Break to Reflect
It's still uncertain whether Griffin's hiatus from basketball will be temporary or permanent. The situation has brought to the forefront the pressures young athletes face in professional sports. For Griffin, the next few months will be crucial in determining his path forward. The Rockets' decision to permit him to sit out the upcoming season underscores their recognition of the potential benefits a break could provide, both mentally and physically, as he evaluates his overall career trajectory.
The basketball community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Griffin's decision. At just 21, he has time on his side. However, the decision to step away, even momentarily, is often fraught with challenges and uncertainties. For now, Griffin remains a player with untapped potential, his next move eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike.
As Griffin takes this time to reflect and recover, it remains to be seen how his journey will unfold. The narrative of A.J. Griffin serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the immense pressures that accompany young talent on their path to greatness.