AJ Griffin explains his early retirement from the NBA: "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus"

Many people were surprised when AJ Griffin announced his retirement from basketball after playing only two NBA seasons. The 6'6" forward had a solid rookie season, averaging 8.9 points per game and shooting 39.6% from three-point range. Although his numbers significantly dropped during his sophomore season, Griffin could still have pushed his NBA career forward if he wanted to. But as he revealed on Sunday, he has other plans.

"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus, and I know that in a lot of people's eyes, it seems like a loss in the world's eyes," he said in the YouTube video . "I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart. With all my time, too."

Faith helped him get through his parents divorce

AJ is the son of former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin . As a child he, was born to a Christian family and always around religion because his paternal grandfather was a minister.

When his parents, Audrey and AJ, divorced when AJ was 12, AJ turned to his faith to get him through that difficult time. His Christian foundation was reinforced when his father met his stepmother, Kathy, because her family was deeply rooted in the religious ministry.

Then last October 4, 2020, AJ's life changed when he decided to get baptized as a Christian. According to him, that was the turning point because his values started to change. While basketball was still his priority back then, he started seriously thinking about doing religious work.

AJ was a first round pick

Griffin was the 16th overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, with whom he played until last season. He was traded to the Houston Rockets last June, but that's when he decided he wanted a career change, so he negotiated a buyout with the Rockets.

"You can have all the riches in the world but the only thing that matters is the relationship with Jesus," added Griffin. "Jesus is the only one that could fulfill you. He's the only that could give you purpose. And I could feel like the Lord was calling me to let go of basketball and serve him more."

At 21, Griffin still had a lot to give to basketball. Although it wouldn't have been easy, he could've carved out a decent NBA career and earned millions more. But not all that glitters is gold, and for AJ, spreading the word of God is what makes his heart tick.

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