Former NBA 1st-round pick reveals why he decided to retire at 21

Dec 2, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin (14) dribbles against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

AJ Griffin is apparently looking to pursue a higher calling.

Speaking this week in a video post to his YouTube page, the ex-Atlanta Hawks forward Griffin revealed why he recently made the seemingly sudden decision to retire from the NBA at just 21 years old. Griffin said that he is dedicating his life to Christ and would like to become a full-time minister.

“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” said Griffin. “I know that, in a lot of people’s eyes, that seems like a loss … But I just wanna let you guys know that I’m super excited because I truly get to serve God with my full ‘yes.’

“I feel like letting go of basketball is letting me go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart and all my time as well,” Griffin added. “I’m just excited to see where that leads me.”

You can watch Griffin’s full seven-minute video on the topic here.

Griffin, a former five-star recruit who played one season at Duke, was the No. 16 overall pick by the Hawks in 2022. He spent two total seasons with Atlanta, averaging 7.5 points and 1.9 rebounds per game overall before officially deciding to step away from basketball earlier this month.

After collecting $7.5 million from Atlanta but leaving another $9.6 million still on his rookie contract, Griffin, the son of former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin, is onto a new path in life. His story is reminiscent of another ex-NBA player who also walked away for faith-based reasons.