The Houston Rockets have decided to part ways with A.J. Griffin, waiving the 21-year-old through a contract buyout worth $250,000. This move comes as Griffin plans to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career," according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
A Promising Start
Griffin's journey began with high expectations. Selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Griffin quickly showcased his potential. During his rookie season, the former Duke standout averaged nine points per game, shooting an impressive 39% from beyond the arc. His capabilities shone through in several standout performances, including two occasions where he scored a career-best 24 points.
A Deal That Didn't Deliver
Despite a strong start, Griffin's transition to the Houston Rockets marked the beginning of a challenging period. The Rockets acquired Griffin in a trade that sent the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, to the Hawks. Expectations were high, but Griffin struggled to find his footing in Houston. His difficulties were particularly evident during the Las Vegas Summer League last July, where he failed to make a significant impact.
Griffin's struggles in Houston were compounded by the pressure to live up to his father's legacy. Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, had set a high bar. The younger Griffin's performance lagged, leading the Rockets to reconsider their investment in the young player.
A Crucial Decision
The decision to waive Griffin was not taken lightly. It came as Griffin himself was contemplating his future in basketball. His plan to step back from the sport for a season and consider his options might indicate that the pressures and expectations had started to take a toll.
At just 21 years old, Griffin is at a crossroads. His decision to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career" suggests he needs time to reassess his path and whether his future lies in professional basketball or elsewhere.
Uncertain Future
Whether Griffin's hiatus will be temporary or permanent remains unclear. The Rockets' willingness to allow him to sit out the upcoming season likely reflects their understanding of the benefits a break might bring. It provides Griffin with a much-needed opportunity to regain focus and perhaps eventually return to the form that once had scouts and analysts touting him as a promising talent.
Griffin's journey in the NBA thus far has been a mix of highs and lows. His standout rookie moments show what he is capable of, but his struggles in Houston have overshadowed these achievements. As he steps back to contemplate his future, the basketball community will be watching closely to see whether this young talent will make a triumphant return or pivot to a new chapter in his life.
In a sport where careers are often measured by their brightest moments, Griffin's story is a reminder of the pressures and uncertainties that come with professional athletics. As he takes this time to reflect, his decision will not only impact his future but also serve as a crucial lesson for other young athletes navigating the demanding world of professional sports.