AJ Griffin is headed to the NBA. The sharpshooting wing from the Duke Blue Devils was picked No. 16 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks.
Griffin, who turns 19 in August, entered this season as the 29th player in his class, per the ESPN Top 100. He became a key player and the leading 3-point marksman for the Blue Devils, who made a run to the Final Four. Now, he will join the (team) with the chance to help their offense right away.
In 39 games for Duke, including 25 starts, Griffin averaged 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. He shot 49.3 percent from the field and an astounding 44.7 percent from deep on 4.1 attempts per game. At 6-foot-6 with a seven-foot wingspan and the ability to shoot off the catch and the dribble, he could become a sensational scorer in the NBA.
22 points on 8-11 for AJ Griffin in his first start for Duke. Hit three 3PTs, created layups for himself off dribble moves, some OTD shooting + defensive contests. One of draft's youngest prospects with 6-6, 220-lb frame and sharp scoring skills. Shooting 67% 2PT, 46% 3PT. pic.twitter.com/lbQA8F9ONG
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) January 13, 2022
One issue with Griffin is his defense. He has the build and the shooting to be a solid 3-and-D player at the next level but did not impress on defense. He also did not show consistent playmaking abilities, though he is not a ball-hog/shot-chucker, and struggled to draw fouls.
Since Griffin is so young and played a part of last season injured, it's tough to speculate how much he can truly do in the NBA. Someone of his age, size and shooting should be able to stick around for a long time. It's the other skills that will determine what role he plays. At the very least, he could be the best shooter from this year's NBA Draft class.
Griffin is the second Duke player taken in the 2022 NBA Draft. Paolo Banchero was drafted by Orlando Magic with the No. 1 pick and Mark Williams, Wendell Moore and Trevor Keels will also most likely be drafted.
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