Shams Charnia of The Athletic reported last Thursday that Rockets forward A.J. Griffin is “seriously considering stepping away from basketball…”
Just in: Houston Rockets F AJ Griffin is seriously considering stepping away from basketball, sources tell me and @KellyIko. Griffin, 21, was the No. 16 pick in the 2022 NBA draft to Atlanta, then traded to Houston this summer. Sides are preparing for his departure from the game. pic.twitter.com/AyNp1rF4MI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 12, 2024
Griffin, the son of former Bucks Head coach and former Rocket Adrian Griffin, was aquired from the Atlanta Hawks via trade during the recent 2024 draft for a second round pick. Griffin was the 16th overall pick by the Hawks in the 2022 NBA draft.
The Rockets no doubt acquired Griffin for his three-and-D potential. In his rookie campaign, Griffin averaged 8.9 ppg and shot 39 percent from the three-point line. Although his lateral quickness defensively at times has been lackluster, Rockets fans were hoping that Ime Udoka and his staff would be able to coach Griffin up and tap into the potential that likely lead to them making the move for him in the first place.
Griffin missed the beginning of the 2023-2024 season citing “personal reasons”. When he returned, he played in just 20 games, averaging 2.4 ppg and only 8.6 minutes per game while also dealing with a bruised right leg and sprained ankle.
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported back in June that the Rockets had coinsidered drafting A.J. Griffin in the 2022 draft when he went one spot ahead of Tari Eason. Feigen also reported that Griffin was very encouraged by the fact that the Rockets had not only aquired him via trade this season, but that they had seen his value in the 2022 draft and wanted him then.
So Sham Charnia’s report that “sides are preparing for (Griffin’s) departure from the game” does come at somewhat of a surprise. With training camp scheduled to begin on October 1, it appears there is one less roster decsion to be made for Rafael Stone and Ime Udoka. Griffin was going to have a challenge on his hands carving out playing time on an already crowded roster. However, his shooting abilty was believed to be what may have given him a legitimate chance at being in the rotation.
To this point, there has not been a definitive move by Griffin or the Rockets. There has been no reasons cited for Griffin’s consideration of walking away. As much as we love baskeball and the Rockets, we would do well to reserve any judgement and ultimately hope that A.J. Griffin makes the choice that’s best for him and his family.
