Alright, hoop heads, buckle up! This story’s got everything: drama, faith, and a dash of Rockets optimism.
AJ Griffin’s Bold Move: From Hoops to Hallelujah
So, about a month ago, word hit the streets from Kelly Iko and Shams Charania over at The Athletic that AJ Griffin, the 21-year-old baller, was thinking about stepping away from the NBA. And we’re not talking a little hiatusโhe was ready to kiss goodbye to a cool $3.9 million for the 2024-25 season. Crazy, right? Well, after a buyout with Houston, Griffin finally spilled the beans on his decision.
Griffin got waived by the Rockets on September 20 after a trade from the Hawks, pocketing a $250,000 buyout, according to the Houston Chronicle. Initially, folks were scratching their heads, but AJ cleared things up, saying heโs leaving basketball to follow Jesus. Yep, you heard that right.
โI gave up basketball to follow Jesus,โ Griffin said. โAnd I know that in a lot of peopleโs eyes, that seems like โ it seems like a loss in the worldโs eyes. But, I just want to let you guys know that Iโm super excited because I truly get to serve God.โ
โI gave up basketball to follow Jesus.โ
โ AJ Griffin
(h/t @CourtsideBuzzX )
โ NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
AJโs set to become a minister. โYou know, with my full Yes, and I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to, you know, go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart โ with all my time too, as well,โ he added. โSo, Iโm just excited to see where that leads me.โ
Honestly, I think it’s pretty inspiring. Not many people would walk away from that kind of money to follow their faith. But hey, if thatโs what fills his soul, more power to him!
Rockets’ Summer Shuffle
Despite losing Griffin, the Rockets are buzzing with optimism. Team owner Tilman Fertitta is hyped about their depth. โThereโs no deeper team in the NBA than us,โ he boasted to reporters at their shiny new training facility. โWeโre expecting a great year.โ
And you know what? He might be onto something. The Rockets had a quiet summer, but they made some solid moves. They snagged Aaron Holiday in free agency and landed Reed Shepard, the No. 3 overall pick from Kentucky, in the draft. Houston fans are pumped!
The Deepest Roster Debate
So, let’s break it down. Houston’s starting five is looking spicy with Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, and Dillon Brooks. And their bench? Straight fire. You’ve got Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Jeff Green, and the rookie sensation, Shepard.
But here’s the real question: Is Houston really the deepest team in the league? Fertitta sure thinks so, and looking at their lineup, itโs hard to argue. They’ve got a mix of young talent and seasoned vets that could make some serious noise this season.
### Final Thoughts: A Season to Watch
So, what do you think? Can the Rockets live up to the hype and prove theyโve got the deepest squad in the NBA? Or will AJ Griffinโs departure leave a bigger hole than expected? One thingโs for sure: this seasonโs gonna be a wild ride.
Whatโs your bold prediction for the Rockets this year? Drop your thoughts below!
