A.J. Griffin, who was drafted 16th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2022 NBA Draft, has made a surprising decision to step away from his basketball career in favor of becoming a minister. At just 21 years old, Griffin has chosen a path that focuses on his faith rather than the sport that once defined him.

Griffin was waived by the Houston Rockets on September 20, 2024, after a trade deal from the Hawks, receiving a contract buyout reportedly worth $250,000, according to the Houston Chronicle. This marked the official end of his short but notable NBA career.

A.J. Griffin comes from a family deeply rooted in sports. His father, Adrian Griffin, enjoyed a 10-year NBA career before transitioning to coaching, currently serving as the head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. A.J. played college basketball at Duke University, entering the NBA after just one season.

As a rookie, he averaged nine points per game and showcased his skills as a formidable three-point shooter. In his second season, however, he played just 20 games with the Hawks before being traded to Houston in the summer of 2024.

While Griffin's career showed early promise, his struggles during the NBA Summer League with the Rockets seemed to coincide with an inner transformation that led him to re-evaluate his priorities. Shortly after, Griffin announced that he would be leaving basketball entirely.

Adrian Darnell "A.J." Griffin Jr. was born on August 25, 2003, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in a family with strong sports ties—his father played in the NBA for a decade and currently coaches, while his mother, Audrey Sterling, was a standout athlete in track and field at Seton Hall. A.J.'s older siblings, Alan and Aubrey, both excelled in basketball at the collegiate level, with Alan playing at Illinois and Syracuse, and Aubrey currently competing for UConn.

After attending Duke University, where he played for one season, Griffin declared for the 2022 NBA Draft, where he was selected 16th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. Known for his scoring ability and three-point shooting, Griffin quickly made a name for himself in the league before making the life-changing decision to step away from basketball.

In a heartfelt announcement, Griffin shared the reasons behind his decision to leave basketball and devote his life to full-time ministry.

"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin explained. "I know that, in a lot of people's eyes, it seems like a loss in the world’s perspective. But I’m excited because I truly get to serve God with my full commitment."

Griffin's journey into faith began in 2020 when he gave his life to Christ, a pivotal moment he reflects on often. "I truly accepted Him back then; He found me," Griffin said, emphasizing the transformative nature of his faith. His decision to leave basketball wasn’t sudden—it had been building over time as he felt the pull toward serving God with his whole heart.

"I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to step into full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with all my heart and time. I’m just excited to see where this new path leads me," Griffin added.

Griffin's short stint in the NBA was marked by key moments, including two game-winning alley-oop plays during his rookie year. In his debut season with the Hawks, he scored 17 points and delivered a game-winning alley-oop in a thrilling 124–122 win over the Toronto Raptors on November 19, 2022. Another standout moment came when Griffin hit a buzzer-beater to secure a victory against the Chicago Bulls just weeks later.

Before his professional career, Griffin had a standout high school and college experience. As a young talent, he was a varsity starter at Ossining High School in New York by the seventh grade and later led Archbishop Stepinac High School to a Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Archdiocesan title. Griffin played alongside his older brother Alan during his high school years, setting the stage for his eventual leap to Duke and the NBA.

Griffin also represented the United States at the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship in Brazil, where he averaged 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game, helping Team USA win the gold medal.

Though Griffin’s professional basketball career spanned just two seasons and 92 games, his future now centers around a much different mission. He has embraced his Christian faith wholeheartedly, frequently sharing his journey on social media and in public appearances.

Griffin’s decision to step away from the NBA at such a young age to pursue a full-time ministry is a rare and courageous choice, reflecting his commitment to his beliefs. While his basketball career may be behind him, Griffin’s story is far from over. Now, his next challenge is leading others through his faith and ministry, following the call that he believes God has placed on his heart.

This unique journey from NBA player to minister serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of purpose, faith, and the courage to walk a path less traveled.