This personal conviction maybe the first time in his life that he has ever served anything beyond himself. Doing so makes sense to him and it is his world we are talking about. His actions are making statement. Most lottery winners don’t make the money he has earned, (his time and effort practicing when no one is watching) than to turn it down is truly remarkable. I personally don’t understand how or why he would do this but I truly wish him well. Following and believing are two very different things. Just wow.
This is really unfair to the Rockets who wasted a draft pick acquiring this guy. I’m pretty sure the Hawks and this kid’s agent knew what he was going to do so Atlanta looked for a sucker to take this kid and wind up with nothing. The Hawks should owe the Rockets compensation for this BS. If you wanted to walk away this cat had all offseason to quit. Why wait? I don’t but he had an epiphany all of a sudden, this has been going on for a while. The Rockets were duped.
I doubt his agent wanted him to do a $250k buyout on $3.9m, with Atlanta or the next team. I agree. Atlanta owes us, for more than this, as well. Us honoring the cap-clearing trade when Lopez pulled out. We didn’t have to do that. I thought Griffin was the pay back, oh well. Maybe Atlanta will sell us back the pick on draft day, should we want it.
Yeah, this reminds me of Robert Reid. Griffin is supposed to be more talented than Bobby Joe. Reid played hard all the time, though. Griffin didn't seem to be motivated at all.
He is still serving himself. He doesn't want to play basketball, he WANTS to take the path he has chosen. Financially he has never struggled. His father is a former professional player and long term coach. AJ went to the best schools - this isn't really the sacrifice that some seem to think. If this makes him happy, and he doesn't harm anyone - then he should be supported .... but this isn't exactly some noble sacrifice.
He gave up millions because he WANTED to take this path. This is what he WANTED to do. It was entirely his choice and decision. It is his right to do so - but I am not going to praise him for doing what he WANTS to do.
It is hard to know. There were very loud whispers that Griffin was mentally struggling - and had become very religious. So it is possible that the Rockets knew - and rolled the dice.
That's a personal choice and no one is asking you to. I think it's admirable but if you think him believeing something he wants to do and give up millions of dollars is not admirable then do you. It's the criticism of giving up money for Jesus when the same people will turn around and criticize preachers making money for preaching Jesus that's weird as well.
maybe I’m missing context but isn’t all sacrifice a decision of personal want? Being forced to sacrifice isn’t really sacrificial right?
I think it was more interesting that he stated he tried to convert others to his faith - he might also have joined a Christian version of cult. but felt he could do more by stepping away..... I think he tried to be a basketballer.....well, at least he wasn't a star, because that would have cut deeper.
This gets into a theological discussion - I will just say that Jesus was not a big fan of wealth or the wealthy. As far as criticizing preachers making a lot of money, I believe it is morally reprehensible - but - that is a personal choice people can make. My opinion is only my opinion. I wish AJ good luck in the future - I disagree with some of the things he has said, but I also know he is very young and believe he has the right to do what he wants as long as he doesn't harm anyone else.
God said to Abraham, "kill me a son" Abe say, "man, you must be putting me on" God say, "no", and Abe say, "what?" God say, "you can do what you want Abe, but" "Next time you see me comin', man, you better run" Abe said, "where do you want this killing done?" God said, "out on Highway 61"
For me it was a risk worth taking. Not many 2nd rounders make it anyway, especially not in a team that has 7 young first rounders, 6 of whom are (at least) NBA rotation level players). We might as well have moved that pick and taken a chance on a talent, a guy who can shoot and has extreme athleticism. It didn't work out. No big deal (IMHO).
I won't criticize the Rockets taking a chance. I haven't always agreed with the Rockets asset allocation under Stone - but I always viewed this one as cost/benefit risk worth taking. It did not work out but I think it was a smart calculated risk.
Facts. He is giving up nothing. He is a kid that is privileged enough to do this, and I don’t think he gets it. Good luck to him and his family regardless.
