The Houston Rockets announced a significant roster change this week, deciding to waive young guard A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout valued at $250,000. The news comes as Griffin, at just 21 years old, contemplates stepping away from basketball, with uncertainty surrounding whether this hiatus will be temporary or permanent.
A Promising Start
Griffin began his professional journey with high expectations. Selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, he was seen as a promising young talent. His single season at Duke University had solidified his reputation, and his start in the NBA seemed to justify the hype. Averaging nine points per game with an impressive 39% shooting from beyond the arc in his rookie year, Griffin also achieved personal milestones, scoring a career-best 24 points twice that season.
During his rookie year, Griffin started in 12 games, displaying the potential that had made him a first-round pick. However, his journey took a turn when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. The trade, which included sending the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, to the Hawks, marked a new chapter in Griffin's career.
Struggles in Houston
After his move to Houston, Griffin faced significant challenges. His performance in the Las Vegas Summer League last July highlighted his struggles, raising questions about his future with the team. Despite the high hopes that accompanied his arrival, Griffin found it difficult to replicate his earlier success. This period of difficulty seemed to have a profound impact on his career trajectory.
Perhaps contributing to Griffin's challenges in Houston is the shadow cast by his father, Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. The young Griffin may have felt the weight of expectations and familial legacy, adding pressure to an already demanding professional environment.
A Difficult Decision
As his performance waned, Griffin began to contemplate his future in the sport. The Rockets, aware of his internal struggles, decided to support his contemplation, granting him the opportunity to sit out the upcoming season. This move, designed to allow Griffin the necessary time to weigh his options, aligns with the franchise's broader strategy of fostering a supportive environment for its players.
In a statement, Griffin mentioned his plans to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career." This candid admission underscores the serious nature of his current crossroads. Taking a step back from the sport at such a young age is not a decision made lightly, and it reflects both personal and professional pressures that have mounted over time.
What Lies Ahead
The decision to waive Griffin and permit him to step away for a season is also influenced by the potential benefits of taking a break, a move that may rejuvenate his passion for the game. The Rockets, dealing with their own team dynamics and long-term plans, likely considered these factors when agreeing to the buyout.
For now, the basketball world watches closely as A.J. Griffin navigates this pivotal moment in his career. Whether he returns to the court reinvigorated or decides to pursue a different path, his journey serves as a reminder of the pressures and uncertainties faced by young athletes at the highest levels of competition.
Griffin’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports careers, where early promise and subsequent struggles can coexist. As the Rockets move forward without him, they carry with them the lessons learned from his tenure, shaping future decisions and strategies.
Meanwhile, Griffin's potential return remains an open question, one that only time—and his personal reflections—will answer.