Former basketball player Adrian Darnell “AJ” Griffin Jr. retired aged barely 21. With a brief but significant NBA career, his net worth in 2024 is projected to be $7 millions. Starting with the Atlanta Hawks before a move to the Houston Rockets, he spent two seasons playing.
Fans and experts were astounded when Griffin decided to quit the NBA at such a young age. Many thought he had a long and profitable future.
AJ Griffin Bio & Career Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adrian Darnell “AJ” Griffin Jr. |
| Date of Birth | August 25, 2003 |
| Age | 21 years old |
| Place of Birth | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Height | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
| Parents | Adrian Griffin Sr., Audrey Griffin |
| College | Duke University |
| NBA Draft | 2022, 1st round, 16th overall pick |
| NBA Teams | Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets |
| Net Worth | $7 million (2024) |
| Retirement Date | September 29, 2024 |
| Reason for Retirement | Pursuing a religious calling |
Early Years and Sporting Background: Basketball
AJ Griffin was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in a household with a basketball bent. Adrian Griffin Sr., his father, moved into coaching after having a great NBA career. AJ’s brothers, Alan and Aubrey, also shone in collegiate basketball, which motivated him to go into the professional ranks.
Success in High School and Colleges
Attaching Archbishop Stepinac High School in New York, AJ developed among the best potential. His prowess in high school resulted in several college offers; Duke University, where he averaged 10.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in his freshman year, was one. He performed to land him on the ACC All-Freshman Team.
NBA Career: Rookie Success Draft
The Atlanta Hawks chose Griffin sixteen-odd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. He got a contract for $17.1 million, four years. Griffin scored 8.9 points and grabbed 2.1 rebounds a game in his debut season. His ability was shown with his unforgettable game-winning strokes against the Bulls and Raptors.
Net Worth and Income
Griffin had a brief career, although his net worth is $7 million. Along with a $250,000 buyout from the Rockets, his salary comes to $7.25 million. Griffin had line for better salaries in next seasons, but his early retirement cut off those prospects.
Choice for Retirement
Griffin announced his retirement on September 29, 2024, pointing out his need to concentrate on his Christian faith. Saying, “I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” he said The choice rocked the sports world and elicited conflicting responses from peers and fans.
Personal Life and Religion
Griffin has never quieted his Christian faith. On social media, he routinely posted Bible passages and comments. His choice to stop underlined the intensity of his convictions. He wants to study theology and becoming more active in serving others.
Legacies and Effects
Although AJ Griffin’s NBA career consisted in just two seasons, his legacy will endure. His audacious decision to quit professional athletics at twenty-one shows his will to put his values first over celebrity and money. Although his on-court performance was fleeting, his narrative inspires many still.
FAQs
1. Why did AJ Griffin retire so early?
Griffin retired to focus on his religious calling and felt it was the right time to step away.
2. What is AJ Griffin’s net worth?
Griffin’s net worth is estimated to be $7 million, accumulated during his two years in the NBA.
3. How many seasons did AJ Griffin play in the NBA?
Griffin played for two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets before retiring.
4. What was AJ Griffin’s best moment in the NBA?
His game-winning shots against the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls in his rookie season were standout highlights.
