Next spring, the Houston Rockets hope to be in the playoffs for the first time since James Harden left. The path has been long and arduous, with three straight seasons winning fewer than 23 games. In 2023-24, the Rockets appeared to right the ship, going 41-41 while coached by Ime Udoka. However, they were still a couple of players away from getting over the hump.
Rockets Part Ways With Former First Round Pick AJ Griffin
With the 2024-25 season opener around the corner, one of the potential pieces to that puzzle won’t be rostered. Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets and wing AJ Griffin will part ways after agreeing to a contract buyout. The buyout agreement will allow Griffin “to sit out the season while considering whether to continue his career.” Feigen adds that “the buyout was worth $250,000,” with Griffin originally set to make $3.9 million in 2024-25.
On Sept. 12, Shams Charania and Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported that Griffin was seriously considering walking away from the sport.
Just in: Houston Rockets F AJ Griffin is seriously considering stepping away from basketball, sources tell me and @KellyIko. Griffin, 21, was the No. 16 pick in the 2022 NBA draft to Atlanta, then traded to Houston this summer. Sides are preparing for his departure from the game. pic.twitter.com/AyNp1rF4MI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 12, 2024
He was drafted 16th overall in 2022, only recently turning 21 years old.
What’s The Story?
There’s yet to be an explanation for why Griffin has become so disenchanted by the game this early. Charania and Iko noted they “as training camp edged closer, Griffin’s appearances —and communication with the organization —diminished.” They added that the Rockets “understand that his personal life takes priority and have offered their support.”
Yet, neither of these appendages are explanations. As a result, all people on the outside can do is speculate. With his injury history, there could be reason to believe that constantly going through a rehab process has been draining. Yet, Griffin hasn’t had any injuries —rumored or reported —since the trade.
There was definitely a rapid shift in his career trajectory after the Atlanta Hawks changed coaches though. To that point, professional athletes are human too. The internal and external pressure they face can take a toll. A young player who felt the door shut in his face might experience emotional turbulence.
Another factor that could have led to his decision is Udoka’s coaching style. Griffin is the son of a former NBA head coach. However, coaches approach their jobs differently. Players take to the same coach differently. For example, Udoka isn’t afraid to push buttons. While Alperen Sengun says that he loves it, Jalen Green can hardly stand it.
Maybe it’s something else. It doesn’t even have to be negative. Perhaps he just found a passion he wants to pursue other than basketball. He’s spent his life in and around the sport, so a change could be appealing.
If so, it isn’t hard to see him wanting to come back to the NBA eventually. Nor is it difficult to believe that NBA fans will never see him in a jersey again.
