AJ Griffin Retires from NBA at 21 to Pursue Ministry

The former Atlanta Hawks player announced his decision to follow a religious calling, citing a deep personal commitment to his faith.

AJ Griffin, the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has retired from professional basketball to become a full-time minister.
Griffin explained his decision in a YouTube video, stating he wants to dedicate his life to serving God and spreading the gospel.
The 21-year-old player, who had been recently traded to the Houston Rockets, received a $250,000 contract buyout.
Griffin's decision is rooted in his deepening faith, which he embraced fully during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
He played a total of 92 NBA games, averaging 7.5 points per game, but struggled to find consistent playing time last season.