Greater than two years in the past, the Atlanta Hawks chosen ahead AJ Griffin within the first spherical of the NBA Draft out of Duke.
Nevertheless, 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 recreation. He was traded from the Hawks to the Houston Rockets within 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 activities)
He defined on Sunday why he determined to retire from basketball.
“I gave up basketball to observe Jesus,” he mentioned. “And I do know that in lots of people’s eyes, that looks like, it looks like a loss on the earth’s eyes. However I simply need to allow you to guys know that I am tremendous excited as a result of I really get to serve God, you already know, with my full Sure, and I really feel like letting go of basketball is permitting me to, you already know, go into full-time ministry and really serving the Lord with all my coronary heart — with all my time too, as effectively. So, I am simply excited to see the place that leads me.”
Griffin mentioned his resolution stemmed from giving his “full life to Christ” again in 2020.
Atlanta Hawks ahead AJ Griffin, #14, dribbles in opposition to the Washington Wizards within the first half at State Farm Enviornment in Atlanta on April 5, 2023. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports activities)
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The 21-year-old Texas native just isn’t the one NBA participant who has determined to place his profession on maintain and dedicate his life to religion.
Darren Collison retired from the NBA for a couple of years to assist the much less lucky via the Jehovah’s Witness religion.
Atlanta Hawks ahead AJ Griffin, #14, bins out Indiana Pacers ahead Jalen Smith, #25, within the second half at State Farm Enviornment in Atlanta on March 25, 2023. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports activities)
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“Whereas I nonetheless love basketball, I do know there’s something extra vital, which is my household and my religion,” he mentioned in a letter to Andscape on the time. “I’m certainly one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my religion means every little thing to me. I obtain a lot pleasure from volunteering to assist others and take part in a worldwide ministry. The enjoyment I really feel is unmatched. With that being mentioned, I’ve determined to retire from the NBA.”
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