Rumors are swirling around AJ Griffin’s potential retirement from the NBA, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike. As the 2024-25 NBA season looms, Griffin’s future with the Houston Rockets has become a focal point of discussion. Speculation about his possible departure has raised questions about his impact on the team’s plans.
Here’s a closer look at AJ Griffin’s retirement considerations and the potential consequences for the Houston Rockets.
Is AJ Griffin retiring from the NBA?
AJ Griffin, the 21-year-old forward for the Houston Rockets, is reportedly “seriously considering” retirement from the NBA, according to a report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Griffin, the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, has not made an official decision yet. However, sources indicate that both Griffin and his team are preparing for the possibility of his departure from the game.
Griffin’s potential retirement follows a strong rookie season, where he averaged 8.9 points per game and shot 46.5% from the field. However, his second year was hindered by injuries and personal issues, restricting him to just 20 games. This downturn has led to speculation about his future in the league.
The Rockets acquired Griffin in a three-team trade this offseason, anticipating that he would be a valuable rotational player. However, reports of his consideration to retire have cast uncertainty over his role with the team. Griffin’s off-court struggles, which he briefly acknowledged last December without going into detail, appear to have contributed to his potential decision to step away from the sport at such a young age.
Griffin’s situation is notable because of his basketball family background. His father, Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player, was fired as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks after just 43 games last season (via New York Post). AJ Griffin’s potential early retirement adds another challenge for the Griffin family in the professional basketball world.
As Griffin weighs his options, the Rockets face a challenge in adjusting their roster plans if he retires. His departure would mark an unexpected end to a career that began with much promise. Fans and analysts would be left to wonder what could have been for this talented young forward.
