New Rockets Forward Considering Basketball Exit
Source: AJ Griffin #14 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a jump shot during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on October 29, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (John Fisher/Getty Images)
HOUSTON — AJ Griffin, a once highly-touted NBA prospect prior to entering the league, is considering retirement from basketball.
The Houston Rockets forward and the team are reportedly planning to announce his early retirement from the game sometime in the near future, according to Shams Charania and Kelly Iko of the Athletic.
Just in: Houston Rockets F AJ Griffin is seriously considering stepping away from basketball, sources tell me and @KellyIko. Griffin, 21, was the No. 16 pick in the 2022 NBA draft to Atlanta, then traded to Houston this summer. Sides are preparing for his departure from the game. pic.twitter.com/AyNp1rF4MI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 12, 2024
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The No.16 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft spent his first two seasons as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. He had a promising rookie season, appearing in 72 games while averaging 8.9 ppg. on 46.5% shooting and 39% from 3-pt range. His sophomore season was a very different story, as nagging leg injuries and a stretch of missed games due to personal reasons saw him limited to just 20 games, and a severe drop in playing time.
When he returned from his absence that led to him missing the start of the 2023-24 season, he told reporters this in December:
“I would say that I am glad to be back,” Griffin said. “The team has been great to be able to support me through that time stepping away for a little, just for personal reasons. I definitely want to keep it brief and not put it all out there.”
As of Thursday evening, there is no clear indication as to why Griffin, who turned 21 in August, may choose to retire from the NBA.
The Hawks traded him to the Rockets during the 2024 NBA Draft in exchange for the 44th pick in the second round. Griffin is the son of former Rockets shooting guard and nine-year NBA veteran Adrian Griffin, a longtime NBA assistant coach who recently served as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks before being fired in January despite holding a 30-13 record.
