“This is actually sad” – 21-year-old AJ Griffin announces retirement from basketball at young age leaving fans perplexed
NBA player AJ Griffin shocked the NBA community lately with his decision to retire from the sport at just 21 years of age.
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AJ Griffin
Former 16th overall pick AJ Griffin shocked the NBA community recently. The Houston Rockets player has announced his plans to retire from the sport at just the mere age of 21, as reported by Shams Charania of the Athletic. AJ Griffin was due to make about $9 million over the following two seasons, but the Rockets decided to cash out his deal and cut him away immediately.
It’s important to note that no specific reason has been revealed by any parties involved regarding his retirement. However, AJ Griffin lost his 2-and-a-half-year-old nephew in 2023. This caused unrest in his family as per reports. The former Duke prospect spent an indeterminate period working through whatever problems he is dealing with before becoming a free agent.
As this news broke out, fans were left disheartened as they took to social media to show their support for the young player. One fan wrote on X, “Damn he had potential too. This is actually sad.” Before being traded to the Rockets a few months ago, he averaged 7.5 points per game for the Hawks the previous season.
On the other hand, it will take time to see if AJ Griffin is added back to the NBA list. But life is more important than hoops. No job or game is ever worth sacrificing one’s health. Nobody can predict with certainty when or if he will return. However, in his brief stint in the league, he did demonstrate some promise.
Fans left disheartened with AJ Griffins retirement news
NBA retirement plans are supposed to be wholesome and filled with joy and emotion after having a great career. However, that is not the case for former Duke Blue Devils star AJ Griffin. At just 21 years old, Griffin has stepped away from the sport, with the Houston Rockets immediately waiving his contract. This has left fans completely heartbroken. Importantly, no specific reason has been revealed for his retirement.
This particular news led to many fans taking to various social media apps to put forward their views and thoughts. One fan wrote on X, “He really hit a game-winner on Chicago just to retire at 21”, while another fan wrote, “Hope he can get in the right place mentally and make a comeback someday. Such a promising young player”. Check out some of the reactions below:
The cause for Griffin’s sudden departure from the league remains unknown. While his playing time and role drastically decreased in his sophomore season, there is no indication that he would have been out of the Rockets’ rotation.
At only 21 years old, he still had plenty of time and opportunity to establish himself in the league.
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Kartik Mudaliar
(973 Articles Published)