Houston Rockets Waive A.J. Griffin Following Contract Buyout
In a surprising development, the Houston Rockets have elected to waive 21-year-old A.J. Griffin through a contract buyout valued at $250,000. This decision places Griffin, the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, at a crossroad early in his professional basketball career.
Griffin, drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, spent just a single season playing for Duke before making his jump to the NBA. In his rookie year, Griffin managed to average nine points per game, shooting an impressive 39% from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of play. Despite these promising stats, Griffin found himself traded to the Rockets, a move that included the No. 43 overall pick, Nikola Durisic, heading to the Hawks.
While Griffin showcased flashes of brilliance, including scoring a career-best 24 points on two occasions and starting in 12 games during his rookie season, his stint with the Rockets was marred by struggles. Particularly, his performance in the Las Vegas Summer League last July was below expectations.
Amid these challenges, Griffin has made the difficult decision to "sit out the [2024-25] season while considering whether to continue his career," as reported by Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. This contemplation period is a crucial juncture for the young athlete, whose potential is undeniable but currently clouded by recent performance issues.
This period of uncertainty is undoubtedly influenced by his close relationship with his father, Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Adrian's experience in the league might provide valuable insight and guidance as A.J. navigates this pivotal moment in his career.
The Rockets' decision to permit Griffin to take this break might stem from a combination of his recent struggles and the potential long-term benefits of a hiatus. Allowing Griffin to focus on his personal and professional future could ultimately lead to a more successful return to the court, should he choose to continue.
Griffin's journey from a promising rookie to a player facing an uncertain future is a stark reminder of the volatility of an NBA career. The league is filled with highs and lows, and Griffin's potential hiatus is perhaps a strategic move to ensure he can regain his footing, either within the sport or in a different walk of life.
For the Rockets, this move represents a decision to invest in their long-term roster development. While waiving a young talent like Griffin might seem counterintuitive, the organization's willingness to allow him time and space to make his decision underscores a commitment to player well-being and performance.
As Griffin contemplates his future, the basketball community will undoubtedly follow his next steps closely. Whether this hiatus marks the end of his NBA journey or a temporary pause remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Rockets have recognized the importance of mental and physical readiness in achieving success on the court.
The next few months will be crucial for Griffin as he makes this important decision. The outcome could potentially reshape his career and reaffirm the notion that sometimes, stepping away is necessary to move forward. His story continues to develop, adding to the intricate and unpredictable nature of professional sports.