Houston Rockets Release Young Prospect A.J. Griffin Amid Uncertainty Over His Future

Houston Rockets Release Young Prospect A.J. Griffin Amid Uncertainty Over His Future

The Houston Rockets have officially waived A.J. Griffin, marking a surprising twist in the young player's career trajectory. The move came through a contract buyout worth $250,000, cementing Griffin’s decision to step away from basketball at just 21 years old. Whether this hiatus will be temporary or permanent remains to be seen.

Griffin, who was initially selected 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, is now a free agent grappling with the decision of whether to continue his career in professional basketball. The young forward had shown promise during his rookie season, which he spent with the Hawks. Averaging nine points per game and shooting an impressive 39% from beyond the arc, Griffin demonstrated his potential in just 20 minutes of play per game. Notably, he scored a career-best 24 points on two separate occasions and started in 12 games. 

A Promising Start

Before entering the NBA, Griffin played a single standout season at Duke, showcasing the skills that would earn him a spot in the draft. During his time with the Hawks, Griffin made substantial contributions and appeared to be a valuable asset. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he was traded to the Houston Rockets.

The trade involved sending Griffin to the Rockets in exchange for the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic. Upon joining the Rockets, Griffin struggled to find his footing. His performance in the Las Vegas Summer League last July was particularly disappointing, casting doubt on his future with the team.

Adding to the complexity of his young career is his lineage. Griffin is the son of Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. This connection has fueled expectations and added pressure as he navigates his professional journey.

The Decision to Waive

The decision to waive Griffin came as he contemplated his long-term future in basketball. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Griffin is planning to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career." This period of reflection may be precisely what Griffin needs, given his recent rocky performances and the palpable pressure of living up to his family’s legacy in the sport.

The Rockets' decision to allow Griffin to take a break was likely influenced by his recent struggles and the potential benefits of stepping back to reassess his career. Taking some time off could provide Griffin with the opportunity to address any underlying issues and come back stronger, should he choose to return to the court.

Uncertain Future

As it stands, Griffin’s future in professional basketball remains uncertain. At 21, he has time on his side, but the decision to walk away, even temporarily, could have long-term implications. The coming months will be crucial as Griffin reflects on his love for the game and deliberates his next steps.

For now, the basketball community will watch and wait, hoping that this promising young player can find his path, whether it leads back to the NBA or in a completely different direction. Griffin’s potential is undeniable, but only time will tell if he can overcome his recent setbacks and fulfill the promise he showed early in his career.

The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, continue to reshape their roster in their bid to build a competitive team. Waiving A.J. Griffin may just be a small part of their broader strategy, but it highlights the often unpredictable and challenging nature of professional sports. It’s a reminder that even the most promising careers can take unexpected turns.