Rockets forward AJ Griffin may be retiring from basketball. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported the news on Thursday.He said he was “seriously considering” that option.
Griffin, 21, was the Hawks' No. 16 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
He played the first two seasons of his career with Atlanta before being traded to the Rockets in a three-team trade with the Heat during the offseason.
“Teams are preparing for his retirement,” Charania reported, hinting at a possible retirement.
The Duke University product enjoyed a strong rookie year with the Hawks in 2022-23, averaging 8.9 points on 46.5% shooting from the field and 39% from three-point range in 19.5 minutes per game.
Griffin regressed during his sophomore season last year, playing in just 20 games due to injuries and personal reasons and averaging just 2.4 points in 8.6 minutes per game.
He was expected to be a rotation player for Houston next season after the team gave up a mid-second round pick for the 6-foot-6 winger.
Griffin spoke about his off-court issues in December but didn't go into detail about what he was personally dealing with.
“It's good to be back,” Griffin said on Dec. 28. Sports IllustratedMy team has been very supportive while I take some time off for personal reasons. I want to keep it brief and not make a full disclosure.”
Griffin is the son of longtime NBA player Adrian Griffin, who was fired as Bucks head coach after just 43 games last season.
