AJ Griffin was drafted 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, but has already decided to leave basketball behind and become a minister.

The 21-year-old was released by the Houston Rockets on September 20 after being dealt by the Hawks and reportedly received a $250,000 contract buyout, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Griffin, the son of former NBA player and coach Adrian Griffin, was drafted in the first round after one season at Duke and averaged nine points per game while emerging as an impressive shooter from three-point range in his rookie season -country proved. He played just 20 games for Atlanta last season before moving to Houston this summer and struggled in Summer League with his new team before announcing he was retiring from basketball.

He recently explained his reasons for leaving the sport, announcing that he gave up basketball “to follow Jesus” and is working on becoming a pastor.

“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin explained. “And I know that in many people’s eyes that seems like a loss in the eyes of the world. But I just want to let you know that I’m super excited because I really get to serve God.” You know, with my full yes, and I feel like letting go of basketball will allow me to go into full-time ministry and to truly serve the Lord with all my heart – even with all my time. I’m just excited to see where this takes me.

“I just want to go through the steps of how I came to the realization that I wanted to let go of basketball and follow God. This really has to start with me committing my life to Christ in 2020. I really accepted him back then.” “He found me. I know we say we find God, but He finds us,” he continued.

Griffin played a total of 92 games over two seasons in the NBA, averaging just over seven points per game and 1.9 rebounds.