Aj Griffin: The Rising Star Shining Bright in the NBA

AJ Griffin's Journey to the NBA

AJ Griffin, son of former NBA player Adrian Griffin, was born on August 25, 2003, in Ossining, New York. Griffin's exceptional basketball skills were evident from an early age, leading him to attend Archbishop Stepinac High School, a basketball powerhouse in White Plains, New York.

In his senior year, Griffin averaged 21.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His impressive performance earned him a consensus five-star rating from major recruiting services and offers from several top college basketball programs.

Griffin ultimately committed to Duke University, where he played for the Blue Devils during the 2021-22 season. In his freshman year, Griffin averaged 10.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, starting 25 of Duke's 33 games.

Griffin's Strengths and Weaknesses

Griffin is a versatile wing with a well-rounded skill set. He possesses an excellent shooting stroke, with a quick release and a high release point. Griffin is also a capable ball-handler and passer, making him a threat to score or create for others.

Defensively, Griffin has good size and athleticism, allowing him to guard multiple positions. He is a willing rebounder and has the potential to be a disruptive force on that end of the court.

However, Griffin's frame is still developing, and he can be prone to getting pushed around by stronger opponents. He also needs to improve his consistency from three-point range and reduce his turnovers.

Griffin's NBA Prospects

Griffin declared for the 2022 NBA Draft after his freshman season at Duke. He was selected 16th overall by the Atlanta Hawks, who traded him to the Toronto Raptors on draft night.

Griffin has shown flashes of his potential in his rookie season with the Raptors, averaging 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. He has also showcased his ability to hit big shots, including a game-winning three-pointer against the Miami Heat in December.

Griffin's future in the NBA is bright, and he has the potential to develop into a valuable contributor for the Raptors. With his shooting ability, athleticism, and defensive versatility, Griffin has all the tools to succeed at the highest level.