NBA Fans Are Worried After 21-Year-Old AJ Griffin 'Steps Away' From Basketball

Former 16th overall pick AJ Griffin is taking a hiatus from the game, as it was announced today by The Athletic's Shams Charania. Griffin, who turned 21 last month, has officially became a free agent after being waived by the Rockets on Saturday 

"Rockets are waiving AJ Griffin via contract buyout, as he is expected to step away from basketball at 21 years old after two NBA seasons," wrote Shams on X.

AJ Griffin was set to make roughly $9 million over the next two seasons but the Rockets have agreed to pay out his contract and cut him loose immediately. The former Duke prospect is set to become a free agent, where he will spend an indefinite amount of time sorting through whatever issues he has at the moment.

Griffin was drafted just two years ago and has only played 92 games in his career. He averaged 7.5 points per game for the Hawks last season before being traded to the Rockets a few months back. It wasn't until last week that we first heard reports of Griffin potentially walking away from the NBA entirely.

The reason for Griffin's swift exit from the league is not yet known. While his play time and role dramatically reduced in his sophomore season, there's nothing to indicate he would have been out of the rotation with the Rockets. At just 21 years old, he had plenty of time and more opportunities in front of him to find his place in the league.

Of course, the mystery of it all has led to rampant speculation online. As theories of depression and mental health have gone mainstream, others have suggested that he might return one day in a few years when he's in a better place.

Whatever the reason, it must be serious for Griffin to jeopardize a career in the NBA, where he can earn millions to support himself and his family for years to come. While it's certainly unusual for such a young athlete to walk away, it's sadly not unheard of in the NBA.

Former Mavericks player Tyrell Terry announced his retirement at 22 years old due to anxiety and former NBA star Chris Bosh had to quit in his prime due to life-threatening blood clots in his lungs. In truth, there are many talented players out there who were forced into early retirement due to uncontrollable circumstances.

Only time will tell if AJ Griffin gets added to the list, but some things are bigger than basketball and no game or career is ever worth one's well-being. As for when/if he'll be back, nobody can know for sure but he did show some potential in his limited time in the league.

Maybe on a new team, in a different situation, Griffin can return in a few years and try his luck again. For now, it's best if he takes the time to focus on himself and whatever it is that forced him out to begin with.