The rising NBA star and former first-round draft pick surprised the basketball world last weekend by announcing his retirement to pursue God's call to service.
“I quit basketball to follow Jesus,” said AJ Griffin, a 6-foot-6 forward for the Houston Rockets who played his first two seasons in Atlanta. The 21-year-old made the announcement in an online video.
“I know it looks like a loss in many people’s eyes,” Griffin added. “But I just want to let you all know that I am very excited. … Retiring from basketball has allowed me to dedicate myself to full-time ministry, and I want to do it wholeheartedly and with all of my time. I was able to truly serve the Lord.”
After playing one season at Duke, Griffin was drafted 16th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, earning ACC All-Freshman honors while averaging 10 points per game. In high school, he was a five-star recruit and a member of McDonald's All-American team.
He averaged 8.9 points per game in his rookie season with the Hawks, but his role decreased in his second year as he battled an ankle injury. He was traded to Houston during the offseason. His original contract with the Hawks was worth $17 million.
He said in the video that he became a Christian in 2020.
“It was the best decision of my life, it really was, and I think my values started to change. My heart started to change,” he said.
He said God revealed to him, “We are all created and created for a purpose, to glorify God.”
“I love spreading the good news of the gospel because I know how much it changed my life,” he said. “I want to continue to share the goodness of the gospel with as many people as possible. Now that I have full dedication to the Lord, I want to reach more people through my platform.”
Griffin said he felt God leading him away from basketball.
“You can have all the wealth in the world,” he said, “but the only thing that really matters is your relationship with Jesus.” “…Jesus — He's the only one who can fill you up. He's the only one who can give you purpose. And I'm sure the Lord has inspired me to let go of basketball and really serve Him more.” I felt like I was calling out to you.”
clock: The reason I decided to quit basketball… #NBA | AJ Griffin
Photo provided by: ©Facebook/Watch the NBA up close
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
