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AJ Griffin retires from the Rockets, NBA to pursue a career in ministry
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AJ Griffin retires from the Rockets, NBA to pursue a career in ministry


“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” AJ Griffin said as he announced his retirement from the Rockets and the NBA.

Three months after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Houston Rockets, young forward AJ Griffin retired from the NBA to focus on a career in ministry, he announced Sunday.

“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin, now 21, said in a video posted to YouTube. “I feel like giving up basketball allows me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with all my heart. Even with all my time. … I felt like the Lord was calling me to give up basketball and serve him more.”

For Griffin, a Duke product who was drafted 16th overall in the first round of 2022, the announcement marks the end (at least for now) of an unusual two-plus-year career in professional basketball.

After an encouraging rookie season (2022-23) in which Griffin averaged 8.9 points (39.0% on 3-pointers) in 19.5 minutes for the Hawks, he played as a sophomore in the NBA Only 20 games a year (with just 8.6 minutes per game). Dealing with on-field altercations and off-court tragedies. He missed several weeks for personal reasons.

In June, Houston acquired Griffin from Atlanta at minimal cost as a sort of redevelopment project. But he’s mostly struggled with the Rockets entering the summer league in 2024, and he recently reached a buyout agreement with the Rockets for what’s left of his original NBA contract.

Training camps for the 2024-25 season begin this Tuesday, October 1, and Griffin’s retirement opens up a roster spot for the Rockets. However, at least for now, the team appears to have no immediate plans to fill it.

More: Report: Rockets surprised by AJ Griffin’s sudden decision to retire from NBA

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