Atlanta Hawks draftees AJ Griffin and Tyrese Martin were introduced by the team this week and each expressed their excitement to hit the court and meet some of their new teammates.
The Hawks selected Griffin from Duke with the 16th pick in the NBA draft last week. They then acquired the draft rights to Martin from the Golden State Warriors as the 51st pick. They will play in the Las Vegas Summer League as the Hawks’ schedule tips off on July 9.
Griffin explained his objective during the Hawks’ run out west.
Just be able to give your best effort and be competitive. I think it’ll be great to go against everyone else in summer league. We’re looking forward to it and putting our best foot forward.
Said Martin: “I go out there and play the game the right way. I feel like I don’t go out there and try to hunt offense and things like that. I go out there and bring a level of toughness to the game where I rebound on both sides of the backboard. I try to guard the best players and shut them down.”
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Griffin, who was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, averaged 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and one assist on 44.7% shooting from 3-point range last season. He ranked fifth in program history in 3-point percentage and second among freshmen.
Martin averaged 13.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 29 games with the Huskies. He was named to the Big East Championship All-Tournament team after posting 18 points, 7.5 rebounds, two assists and two steals in two games.
The two players have each heard from some of their new teammates, including Trae Young. He spoke with them over the weekend on the phone as Griffin and Martin dined out in Atlanta.
The gesture by Young made an impression on the two.
“He welcomed us again and things like that,” Martin said. “It was definitely great. I can’t wait to meet him in person and get on the court and compete with those guys.”
“That’s the love you get here in Atlanta and I love that,” Griffin said.
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