AJ Griffin steps away from basketball, waived by Rockets

A.J. Griffin, a 21-year-old forward for the Houston Rockets, has decided to step away from basketball, leading to his impending release from the team through a contract buyout. This decision comes just weeks before the NBA training camps are set to begin. Griffin, who was drafted No. 16 by the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, had recently been traded to the Rockets in hopes of revitalizing his career after two seasons in Atlanta. Griffin's performance during the summer league was promising, averaging 11.6 points and 3.0 rebounds over five games. However, following these games, his involvement with the team decreased significantly, and communication with the organization became sparse. Reports indicated that Griffin was contemplating retirement due to personal and family-related issues, which ultimately influenced his decision to leave the sport. The Rockets organization expressed understanding and support for Griffin's choice, emphasizing that personal matters take precedence over basketball. They did not foresee this sudden decision when they acquired him, but they are committed to respecting his needs. Currently, the Rockets have no immediate plans to fill Griffin's roster spot, allowing them to remain flexible as they monitor the market for potential player acquisitions once training camps commence. They still retain their full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which could be utilized for future roster adjustments.