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The Houston Rockets and ahead AJ Griffin accepted a buyout earlier within the NBA season. On Saturday, Griffin stated in a YouTube video that he was successfully retiring from the sport, saying his intention to enter “full-time ministry.”
“I gave up basketball to comply with Jesus,” he stated within the video. “I do know to lots of people it looks as if a loss. However I simply needed to let you understand that I am tremendous excited as a result of I actually get to serve God.”
As for why he could not pursue basketball and ministry concurrently, Griffin stated he felt known as to depart basketball behind and start a brand new season in his life.
The 21-year-old former Duke Blue Satan was the No. 16 total choose within the 2022 NBA Draft for the Atlanta Hawks. He spent two seasons in Atlanta, averaging 7.5 factors and 1.9 rebounds in 92 video games (12 begins).
Nonetheless, he largely disappeared from the rotation final season and hung out away from the crew in December for private causes.
This offseason, he was traded to the Rockets as a part of a three-team take care of Atlanta and the Miami Warmth that despatched the No. 43 choose on this yr’s draft, Nikola Djurisic, to the Hawks for money and to Pelle Larsson (n°1). 44 total picks on this yr’s draft) to Miami.
Griffin probably would not have seen a lot taking part in time in Houston, with gamers like Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason and Jae’Sean Tate out there at ahead. The Rockets are deep and Griffin doubtlessly would have struggled to search out minutes.
His buyout opened up one other spot for the Rockets, however given the crew’s already spectacular depth, it is potential they may do it. depart it open for flexibility on the business market later within the season.
