A.J. Griffin, the promising young forward who was selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has officially stepped away from professional basketball to pursue a different calling—ministry. In a heartfelt video posted to his YouTube channel, Griffin shared the profound personal decision that has led him to leave behind the court and embrace a life dedicated to faith.
“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin stated. “I know that, in a lot of people’s eyes, that seems like a loss … but I’m super excited because I truly get to serve God.”
At just 21, Griffin’s choice to walk away from a lucrative NBA career speaks volumes about his values and the deeply personal journey he’s embarked upon. The son of Adrian Griffin—a former NBA player and current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks—Griffin Jr. has spent the last two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. However, following a trade to the Houston Rockets and a subsequent buyout of his contract for a reported $250,000, Griffin is shifting his focus entirely.
His decision comes after months of speculation about his future in the league, with previous reports citing personal and family-related reasons as factors behind his potential retirement. Now, the young athlete has made it clear that his path forward is rooted in his faith.
“I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to, you know, go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart,” Griffin said in his video, emphasizing that this transition will allow him to fully dedicate his time to his spiritual calling.
Griffin’s basketball career had shown early promise. As a rookie with the Hawks, he played in 72 games, averaging 8.9 points per game and shooting an impressive 39% from three-point range—one of the best among his draft class peers. However, his second season saw a significant decline, with personal matters affecting his availability and performance. He appeared in just 20 games, averaging 2.4 points per game, and his shooting percentage dipped to 25.6% from beyond the arc.
While Griffin’s basketball career may not have reached the heights some expected, his decision to prioritize his faith over fame and fortune is a powerful reminder of the importance of personal fulfillment over societal expectations. In a sports world driven by money, competition, and pressure to perform, Griffin’s choice to follow his spiritual path is both bold and inspiring.
For the Rockets, Griffin’s retirement leaves an unexpected hole in their roster just as NBA training camps are set to open. According to reports, the team had not anticipated his departure, and there are currently no plans to fill his spot.
Griffin’s YouTube channel has been an ongoing reflection of his evolving journey. In a November 2023 video titled “What is God telling you to let go of?” he hinted at the possibility of walking away from basketball, though few could have predicted how soon that moment would come. His decision to turn his back on the NBA in pursuit of ministry shows that for Griffin, faith has always been at the forefront.
A.J. Griffin’s departure from professional basketball may surprise many, but his story is a testament to living with purpose. While the NBA has lost a talented player, Griffin’s new journey into ministry is just beginning, and his courage to follow his heart in a culture that often values fame above all is something we can all admire.
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