In a surprising turn of events, the Houston Rockets have opted to waive 21-year-old guard A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout valued at $250,000. This decision places Griffin at a critical juncture in his young career.
A Young Career at a Crossroads
Selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Griffin entered the league with high expectations following a promising single season at Duke. As a rookie, he demonstrated flashes of potential, averaging nine points per game while shooting an impressive 39% from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of play. Griffin managed to score a career-best 24 points twice and started in 12 games during his first season. However, subsequent performances have left many questioning his future in professional basketball, leading to his current situation.
The Trade and Struggles
Griffin's journey took a significant turn when he was traded to the Rockets, a deal that saw the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, head to the Hawks. Unfortunately, Griffin struggled to find his rhythm in Houston, particularly during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, where his performance fell short of expectations. This led to increased scrutiny and ultimately contributed to the Rockets' decision.
A Decision to Reflect
As Griffin contemplates his next steps, the Rockets have allowed him to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career," as reported by Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. This pause may offer Griffin the time he needs to reflect on his passion for the game and decide if a return to the court is in his future.
Family Ties
Griffin's connection to the sport runs deep; he is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. This legacy undoubtedly adds an extra layer of complexity to his decision-making process. Despite his struggles, Griffin can draw inspiration from his father's career both on and off the court.
What's Next?
The decision to waive Griffin was likely influenced by his recent performance issues and the potential benefits of stepping away from the game for a period. The Rockets’ front office undoubtedly weighed these factors when permitting him to take a season off. Whether this hiatus will be temporary or marks the end of Griffin’s professional basketball journey remains uncertain.
Griffin's career, though still in its early stages, has already seen significant highs and lows. From the promising rookie season to the recent challenges in Houston, his path highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport. As he takes this time to evaluate his future, the basketball community will be watching closely to see what decision he ultimately makes.
For now, A.J. Griffin stands at a crossroads, with the next chapter of his life and career hanging in the balance.