The Atlanta Hawks have selected Duke forward AJ Griffin with the 16th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Griffin is set to become a second-generation NBA player, following in the footsteps of father Adrian Griffin, who's currently an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors. AJ is an offensive threat who should be able to step into an NBA rotation spot from the get-go, thanks to his shooting prowess.
Griffin connected on 44.7% of his 4.1 3-pointers attempted per game during his lone season at Duke. He operated largely as a spot-up threat in the star-studded Blue Devils' offensive system. The 18-year-old should be able to replicate that success in a similar role in the NBA, and it's tough to say how much larger of a role Griffin could grow into as his skill set, responsibilities, and confidence grows.
Griffin's high floor should ensure he carves out a multi-year NBA career, provided his knee troubles don't resurface.
Bio
Position: Forward
School: Duke
College experience: Freshman
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 222 lbs
Wingspan: 7 feet
Max vertical: N/A
Strengths
- Stellar catch-and-shoot threat
- Ability to knock down pull-up jumpers
- Can finish well in the lane through contact
- Athletic body type makes him capable of guarding multiple positions
Weaknesses
- Lack of speed/acceleration makes it harder for Griffin to blow past defenders
- Needs to prove he's more than a spot-up threat
- Disengaged at times defensively
- Unclear how much more he'll develop as a playmaker
