AJ Griffin, former NBA player, opens up about his decision to retire at 21: ‘I chose to walk away from basketball to pursue my faith in Jesus’ | Sports

More than two years in the past, the Atlanta Hawks chosen ahead AJ Griffin in the primary spherical of the NBA Draft out of Duke.

However, earlier than the 2024-25 season tipped off, Griffin introduced he was stepping away from the NBA. He had performed in 92 video games and averaged 7.5 factors and 17.1 minutes per sport. He was traded from the Hawks to the Houston Rockets in the offseason.

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Atlanta Hawks guard AJ Griffin, #14, photographed throughout Hawks Media Day in Atlanta on Oct. 2, 2023. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

He defined on Sunday why he determined to retire from basketball.

“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” he mentioned. “And I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that seems like, it seems like a loss in the world's eyes. But I just want to let you guys know that I'm super excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full Yes, and 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 — with all my time too, as well. So, I'm just excited to see where that leads me.”

Griffin mentioned his decision stemmed from giving his “full life to Christ” again in 2020.

Atlanta Hawks ahead AJ Griffin, #14, dribbles towards the Washington Wizards in the primary half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on April 5, 2023. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

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The 21-year-old Texas native will not be the one NBA participant who has determined to put his profession on maintain and dedicate his life to faith.

Darren Collison retired from the NBA for just a few years to assist the much less lucky via the Jehovah’s Witness faith.

Atlanta Hawks ahead AJ Griffin, #14, containers out Indiana Pacers ahead Jalen Smith, #25, in the second half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on March 25, 2023. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

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“While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith,” he mentioned in a letter to Andscape at the time. “I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses and my faith means everything to me. I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry. The joy I feel is unmatched. With that being said, I have decided to retire from the NBA.”

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