AJ Griffin Retirement: AJ Griffin, a rising star in the NBA, is reportedly thinking about retiring from basketball at just 21 years old.
This shocking news has surprised many in the basketball world, especially considering how promising his career started out and the potential he showed.
Who is AJ Griffin?
AJ Griffin is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Houston Rockets in the NBA.
He was born on August 25, 2003, in Dallas, Texas to Audrey Sterling, an All-American track athlete from Seton Hall, and Adrian Griffin, a former NBA player and coach.
He was selected 16th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2022 NBA Draft.
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In his rookie season, Griffin averaged 8.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his shooting skills with a 46.5% field goal percentage and 39% from three-point range.
He quickly became known for his scoring ability and versatility.
Although AJ Griffin had a strong start to his career, his second season with the Hawks was plagued by injuries and uneven play, causing his stats to plummet to just 2.4 points per game.
As a result, he was traded to the Houston Rockets in June 2024 as part of a three-team deal that also involved the Miami Heat.
The Rockets were hopeful that Griffin could bounce back and make a significant impact on their young and promising team.
AJ Griffin Retirement News
Recent reports have emerged suggesting that AJ Griffin might be thinking about retiring early.
According to Shams Charania and Kelly Iko from The Athletic, both Griffin and the Houston Rockets are getting ready for the possibility that he might step away from basketball.
This news is especially surprising given his young age and the flashes of talent he’s displayed.
AJ Griffin’s potential early retirement would be a significant loss to the NBA, given his talent and the high expectations for him.
His rookie season highlighted his skills, and as a former McDonald’s All-American, many were eager to see him develop into a major player.
Regardless of his decision, the basketball community respects his choice and wishes him the best for his future.
Facts About AJ Griffin Personal Life
| Full Name | AJ Griffin |
| Date of Birth | August 25, 2003 |
| Age | 21 years old |
| Place of Birth | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Position | Forward |
| High School | Archbishop Stepinac, White Plains, New York |
| College | Duke University (2021–2022) |
| NBA Draft | 2022: 1st round, 16th overall pick |
| Drafted By | Atlanta Hawks |
| Professional Teams | Atlanta Hawks (2022–2024), Houston Rockets (2024–present) |
| National Team | United States (2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship) |
| Notable Achievements | ACC All-Freshman Team, McDonald’s All-American, Gold Medal at 2019 FIBA U-16 Americas Championship |
| Father | Adrian Griffin (former NBA player, coach) |
| Mother | Audrey Sterling (All-American track athlete, Seton Hall) |
| Siblings | Vanessa (oldest sister), Alan Griffin (brother, played college basketball at Illinois and Syracuse), Aubrey Griffin (sister, played at UConn) |
| Religion | Christian |
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