The trajectory of Atlanta Hawks’ wing AJ Griffin has taken a sharp turn from his promising rookie season to a challenging journey plagued by injuries and inconsistent play.
Initially drafted as the No. 16 overall pick in the previous year’s draft, Griffin garnered attention for his sharpshooting abilities and knack for clutch performances during his debut season.
However, the current season paints a starkly different picture for Griffin, characterized by injuries and a decline in performance that contrasts sharply with his promising start in 2022-23. Presently, Griffin finds himself sidelined due to an injury sustained while playing for the College Park Skyhawks in the G League.
The Atlanta Hawks announced via X (formerly Twitter) on March 16 that Griffin has missed the last four Skyhawks games due to soreness in his right lower leg and ankle following a contusion suffered on March 5. He is scheduled to be recalled to the Hawks for evaluation by the medical staff, with further updates to follow.
While AJ Griffin showcased promise as a rookie, averaging 8.9 points and shooting 39% from beyond the arc, his performance this season has been less impressive, averaging only 2.1 points and shooting 27.3% from three-point range. However, in six G League appearances, Griffin demonstrated his potential, averaging 14.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 assists while shooting 40% from deep.
Griffin’s journey diverges from that of his fellow Hawks rookies, such as Jalen Johnson and Kobe Bufkin, who found success after brief stints in the G League. Griffin’s struggles, compounded by personal issues and a lack of playing time during last season’s playoffs, have raised questions about his future trajectory with the team.
As the Hawks explore options, including the emergence of rookie Seth Lundy, Griffin’s return to form remains uncertain. Despite the setbacks, the hope persists that Griffin will overcome challenges and make a significant impact upon his return to the court for either the Skyhawks or the Hawks.
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