Atlanta Hawks rookie AJ Griffin has played well in spurts this season, and the 16th pick looks to build upon those performances.
He entered the season with an uncertain role as a first-year player. The team is built to win now and has often prioritized playing time for its veterans. For instance, last year, first-round pick Jalen Johnson made 22 appearances and spent much of the season in the G League.
Griffin played sparingly to begin the year, but eventually moved into the rotation with the Hawks down a few players. He had a breakout performance on Nov. 7, setting a career high with 24 points, four rebounds and three steals in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Hawks coach Nate McMillan explained his role at this stage of the season.
All we’re asking of him is to come out and play hard. He is going to make some mistakes. We’re looking for him on the perimeter and will continue to do that. He is learning defensive coverages. Playing at the two, the three position, there is a difference in the players you’re guarding.
You’re guarding a lot more pick and rolls at that two position and then you’re guarding guys that are coming off of pin downs at that three position. All of this is new to him and we just want him to keep working and getting that experience out there on the floor and knocking down shots.
Griffin had his best stretch of the season in late November.
He finished in double figures in four straight games, scoring at least 11 points in each contest. He even earned his first career start on Nov. 21 in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He recorded 17 points, three steals, two rebounds and one assist.
Entering the rotation has greatly helped Griffin with the transition to the NBA. It has enabled him to adjust to coverages and the speed of the game much quicker, something that will only help him in the latter stages of the season.
“I would definitely say it is a blessing to be able to play the game I love,” Griffin told Rookie Wire. “Just to be out there playing and to be able to be out there with my teammates. The support I get from playing and going through that stretch is all love and (an example of) how great it is to hoop with these guys.”
That four-game stretch also produced perhaps the best moment of the season for Griffin: A buzzer-beating game-winner against his father, Adrian, who is an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors.
The Hawks executed a perfect play in the final seconds of overtime on Nov. 19 to set up Griffin…
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