ATLANTA — The future is here as the Atlanta Hawks selected A.J. Griffin, from Duke University 16 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Griffin was a sniper on a talented Blue Devils roster, with Paolo Banchero, the number 1 overall pick and Mark Williams, selected 15 overall.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The Hawks needed to improve their overall defense, which was fifth-worst in the league last season, according to NBA.com.
Griffin will not only add shooting to the roster, but he will also provide a big body that is “tough to move in the post thanks to his low center of gravity and frame and has shown the ability to blow up handoffs and deny wing entries with a deep stance and active hands,” according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
He's a HAWK 🔥
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 24, 2022
Welcome to Atlanta, @whoisAG21 pic.twitter.com/hpke7Yywuu
Aside from team star Trae Young and do-it-all wing DeAndre Hunter, it appears that other players could be available in the right trade, according to reports.
TRENDING STORIES:
- $100,000 stolen from Atlanta mansion of NBA star Vince Carter as wife and children hid in closet
- Arrest made in murder of 16-year-old reality show dance team member shot outside Kroger
- Georgia Supreme Court overturns Ross Harris’ murder conviction in son’s hot car death
In addition to the No. 16 pick, the Hawks also are slated to pick in the second round at No. 44.
Here’s a look at the first round draft order:
1st Round:
1. Orlando
2. Oklahoma City
3. Houston
4. Sacramento
5. Detroit
6. Indiana
7. Portland
8. New Orleans (from Los Angeles Lakers)
9. San Antonio
10. Washington
11. New York
12. Oklahoma City (from LA Clippers)
13. Charlotte
14. Cleveland
15. Charlotte (from New Orleans)
16. Atlanta
17. Houston (from Brooklyn)
18. Chicago
19. Minnesota
20. San Antonio (from Toronto)
21. Denver
22. Memphis (from Utah)
23. Philadelphia
24. Milwaukee
25. San Antonio (from Boston)
26. Dallas
27. Miami
28. Golden State
29. Memphis
30. Oklahoma City (from Phoenix)
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2022 Cox Media Group
