Welcome to Atlanta -- AJ Griffin

[quote]Fifty-eight games into his young career, he’s trying break through that dreaded “rookie wall.” While some debate whether the wall really exists, Griffin said he has been able to check in with some other first-year players who are adjusting to life in the NBA. Despite the challenges of trying to keep up his efficiency while trying to knock a high volume of 3-point shots, he’s having fun as he tries to get out of his comfort zone.

Through 58 games, Griffin has averaged 9.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and one assist per game. On top of that, he’s still making 38.6% of his 3-point shots despite a cold month in February. Last month, Griffin sank only 21% of his 3-point attempts after a blazing hot January, when he made 23 of 43 tries from long range.

The Hawks understand that the 19-year-old has logged some serious minutes this season. With that, they’ll look for opportunities to help Griffin refresh his legs, while also giving another of their young players the chance to play. Griffin has played 19 more games this season than he did in his lone season at Duke. He played only 16 of 30 games his sophomore season with foot injuries and missed another 15 games his junior season of high school with a knee injury. He then missed his entire senior season with an ankle injury.

dlb731 · Post #87 » by **dlb731** » Thu Mar 9, 2023 5:49 am

I haven't seen him on any injury report, but I've noticed that since Snyder, Griffin hasn't played much.

Any info?

jayu70 · Post #88 » by **jayu70** » Thu Mar 9, 2023 12:07 pm

dlb731 wrote:I haven't seen him on any injury report, but I've noticed that since Snyder, Griffin hasn't played much.

Any info?

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Post #89 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Apr 10, 2023 7:27 pm

This is obviously on very low volume, but still impressive:

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Post #90 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 8:32 pm

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Post #91 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu May 18, 2023 6:08 pm

Ranking top Rookies from 2022 Draft

11. AJ Griffin | 6-6 wing | Atlanta Hawks

I was pretty stunned that Griffin got pulled from the Atlanta rotation after Quin Snyder took over, as he’d been a useful floor-spacer surrounding Trae Young and Dejounte Murray throughout the early portion of the season. Griffin averaged about nine point per game this season and shot 47 percent from the field, 39 percent from 3 and 89 percent from the line. In every way imaginable, Griffin came through on the immense shooting potential he showcased at Duke and throughout his time at lower levels.

More importantly, I also thought Griffin showcased much better athletic pop for the Hawks than he did at Duke, when he coming off an early season knee injury. He regained some of the explosiveness as a straight-line driver that made him one of the top prospects in the 2021 recruiting class prior to a few other high school injuries. As long as Griffin stays healthy, he’s going to be very valuable. The Hawks beat teams this season by 2.2 points per 100 possessions when he was on the court and actually lost their minutes when he was off the court.

Griffin is the kind of skilled, bigger floor-spacer whom every team is looking to acquire. The Hawks have one.

The Athletic

Post #92 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed May 24, 2023 6:18 pm

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D21 · Post #93 » by **D21** » Thu May 25, 2023 2:48 am

Almost 40% from 3pts line and 90% FTs... impressive numbers for a rookie.
It would be a heart break to have to include him in a trade, even for star player

tbhawksfan1 · Post #94 » by **tbhawksfan1** » Thu May 25, 2023 5:37 pm

My biggest question mark in the early Snyder regime was the lack of AJ

Very deep team but still

D21 · Post #95 » by **D21** » Fri May 26, 2023 1:33 am

tbhawksfan1 wrote:My biggest question mark in the early Snyder regime was the lack of AJ

Very deep team but still

I was also a bit surprised that AJ didn't play at least 10min in the playoffs

Post #96 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sat May 27, 2023 10:25 pm

^AJ was gassed after the All Star Break. The kid hadn't played a full 35 game season since the 10th grade due to recurring injuries/rehab. Expecting him to 90+ games as a rookie was unrealistic.

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Post #97 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sat May 27, 2023 10:25 pm

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Skybox · Post #98 » by **Skybox** » Sun May 28, 2023 5:41 pm

He's terrible...banish him to Orl :evil:

Post #99 » by **HMFFL** » Sun May 28, 2023 10:10 pm

AJ played 19.5 mpg and he averaged 7.4 fga a game. 39% from three. How many minutes per game do you want him playing next season?

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CP War Hawks · Post #100 » by **CP War Hawks** » Mon May 29, 2023 3:03 am

Skybox wrote:He's terrible...banish him to Orl

AJG for 6th pick.