Houston Rockets player Griffin is formally retiring from basketball following the team’s decision to buy out his contract. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks as the 16th overall pick in 2022, Griffin was later traded to the Rockets in the summer. Even though he performed well in his first year by averaging 8.9 points per game and shooting 39% from three-point range, Griffin had difficulty performing consistently last season, only playing 20 games before being traded.
A Potential Star That Didn’t Shine
After his impressive first year, Griffin was anticipated to have a successful second year. At a height of 6’6”, he appeared to be a promising option for a considerable amount of playing time as a reserve in Houston. Nevertheless, it seems that his enthusiasm for the sport has diminished, resulting in his choice to take a break. Although it’s sad to witness a promising young player exiting the sport, it’s evident that playing without a passion for basketball would have been difficult.
What This Means for the Rockets
Even though losing Griffin may be disappointing, it does present new possibilities for the Rockets. The team, with many young players competing for minutes, now has one player fewer to manage in their lineup. With seven up-and-coming players requiring progress in addition to the experienced veterans, this situation could alleviate the roster congestion.
What’s Next for Houston?
Following Griffin’s exit, the Rockets now possess a vacant spot on their roster. General Manager Rafael Stone has consistently prioritized having flexibility in the roster. So it will be intriguing to observe how he chooses to fill this position in the future. Rockets supporters will eagerly observe how this decision impacts the team’s future.
While Griffin pursues new opportunities, the Rockets stay dedicated to developing their young core for achievement.
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