Skip to main content

Could I Have Done It? - Thoughts on AJ Griffin's Recent Decision to Leave Basketball


I’m not sure what I would’ve done. 

Could I have done what AJ Griffin recently decided to do? 

I believe that I could have (maybe?) made that decision to step away from a dream of playing professional basketball at the highest level and earning fame, fortune, and everything else. But really, could I have?! 

I mean, what is a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? 

Tricky, tricky, personal conviction!
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus, and I know that in many people's eyes, it seems like a loss in the world's eyes... I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the lord with all my heart... I thought that [basketball] was the reason why I was living, but when I came to God, he truly showed me that we're all made to glorify God. We're all made with a purpose, a God-given purpose."
- AJ Griffin - via YouTube
Whether you’re a believer or not in a spiritual higher power, we all believe our morals and faith (whatever it is) would allow us to make such self-ethical decisions. Give up professional basketball and millions? Easssssssssy!

As a believer, this story stayed with me for a week. I really admire AJ Griffin in his calling to the Lord. There’s no doubt in my mind that he wrestled a lot in his decision to ensure it was his calling. I also believe what he has decided to do is authentic and takes a lot of obedience and faith. It's a great test of his walk and faith in the Lord.

In a continuously growing culture that has eroded faith (all kinds, really) from the fabric of its overall beat, and now values high emphasis on self, Griffin’s decision counters so much of what is “normal” in this world. 

Roman’s 12:2 is my favorite verse. It always has been since I was a teenager. 

Griffin is Romans 12:2. And his recent decision is incredibly inspiring and a reminder that it’s not just a reason for your way of life being different, but that it also takes courage - and a great sense of faith - to live it.
Labels:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

Knicks Postseason 2026, Conference Finals vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

It feels like forever since we've played.  But we've got our opponent, and it's go time!  Review Thoughts from Round 1 Review Thoughts from Round 2 Like every other Knick fan, I too hoped for a seven-game series between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that's what we got. The long series added time for our squad to rest up (get healthy, OG!) and more time to scout exactly what we'll have to deal with in the Eastern Conference Finals.  We've been here before, and a trip to the NBA Finals once again feels all too close. All too real!  The Cavaliers present some interesting dynamics with their electric backcourt and the size up front with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. There are also two players on the roster, Dennis Schroder and Max Strus, who often find ways to stick it to the Knicks. Sam Merrill seems like the kind of guy who would join that group in this series.  Nonetheless, the Knicks are on a historic run. The Cavs have been knocking on t...
Read more

Knicks Postseason 2026, NBA Finals vs. San Antonio Spurs

Part of me is in disbelief that we are here...the other part is raging and ready to go. Four more wins! Let's. GO! So much of this NBA Finals feels poetic, historical, and dream-worthy, for so many reasons, to so many different parties. This includes the NBA office. I'm sure they are loving this matchup for their biggest stage.  While defeating the Spurs does exercise some demons from 1999, I'm not sure I care about that at all. As noted from my thoughts in the Eastern Conference Finals, at this point, just win. Review Thoughts from Round 1 Review Thoughts from Round 2 Review Thoughts from Eastern Conference Finals Just. Win.  I don't care who the opponent is. The narrative that comes with it, or how we do it.  Just. Win. The NBA Cup win seems like whiteboard material for them, yet a serving example for us to match up with them. Again, it doesn't matter. Both teams are completely different beasts since November, through growth and experience.  This all comes down to...
Read more