NBA Star Quits Basketball To Devote Life To Jesus
After two years in the NBA, former Atlanta Hawks forward Adrian Griffin Jr., who was traded to the Houston Rockets in June, has decided to step away from basketball to devote himself fully to his faith in Jesus.
Griffin, 21, announced his decision in a video posted on YouTube shortly after being released by the Rockets, following his participation in the NBA Summer League. In that tournament, he averaged 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game while playing an average of 24.6 minutes per game, according to Sports Illustrated.
In the video, Griffin thanked those who had supported him and expressed his excitement about his next chapter. “As I move on from one season of my life, I’m thrilled to step into a new one with my Lord and Savior,” he said. “This decision may seem unusual to many, but I’m not here to please people; I’m here to please my Father in Heaven.” Griffin continued, “I’m looking forward to what God has planned for me and to spreading the message of salvation and encouraging a closer relationship with Jesus. I hope this video inspires others to take their own leap of faith and trust in God fully, whatever that may look like for them.” He concluded by quoting Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Griffin was drafted 16th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2022 NBA Draft. His father, Adrian Griffin Sr., a former NBA player, also coached the Milwaukee Bucks.
About a year prior, Griffin participated in a worship service at Midwest Believers Church in Illinois with his family, following the sudden death of his 2.5-year-old nephew, Jayce. Griffin’s aunt, Rhonda Cloin, who leads the church alongside her husband Trent, shared with the congregation that Jayce had unexpectedly passed and “went to Heaven.” Jayce was the son of Adrian’s older brother, Alan Griffin, a professional basketball player for the Newfoundland Growlers in Canada.
Griffin explained that his decision to leave basketball stemmed from a clear sense of calling. “I felt the Lord was asking me to let go of basketball and serve Him more fully,” he said. He expressed gratitude to his family, fans, and agent for their unwavering support, noting that they loved him for who he was, beyond just his identity as a basketball player.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey,” he said. “I’m thankful for the opportunities I had in the NBA and for being able to share my basketball talents with the world. I’m excited for what lies ahead and will continue to make content as I embark on this new path.”