Video: AJ Griffin announces retirement from NBA after purchasing contract with Rockets | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

The Houston Rockets and forward AJ Griffin agreed to a buyout at the start of the NBA season. On Saturday, Griffin said in a YouTube video that he was effectively retiring from the sport and announced his intention to move to “full-time service.”

“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” he said in the video. “I know that in many people’s eyes this seems like a loss. But I just wanted to tell you that I’m super excited because I really get to serve God.”

As to why he couldn’t play basketball and do spiritual work at the same time, Griffin said he felt called to give up basketball and start a new season in his life.

The 21-year-old and former Duke Blue Devil was the No. 16 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He spent two seasons in Atlanta and averaged 7.5 points and 1.9 rebounds in 92 contests (12 starts).

However, he was out of the rotation for much of last season and was away from the team for some time in December for personal reasons.

This offseason, he was traded to the Rockets as part of a three-team deal with Atlanta and the Miami Heat, sending the No. 43 overall pick in this year’s draft, Nikola Djurisic, to the Hawks for money and Pelle reasons Larsson (the No. 44th overall pick in this year’s draft) to Miami.

Griffin likely wouldn’t have had much playing time in Houston with players like Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason and Jae’Sean Tate available as forwards. The Rockets are deep and Griffin might have struggled to find minutes.

His buyout opened up another roster spot for the Rockets. However, given the team’s already impressive depth, it’s possible they could leave it open to flexibility on the trade market later in the season.