AJ Griffin Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Hawks Roster
The Atlanta Hawks selected Duke small forward AJ Griffin with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft Thursday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: AJ Griffin
Position: SF
Height: 6'6"
Pro Comparison: Saddiq Bey
Scouting Report: Griffin built a case as the class' top shooter in terms of accuracy and shot-making versatility. He also won't turn 19 until August, so he should have plenty of room to expand his off-the-dribble game skills for creating and playmaking.
Hawks Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)
AJ Griffin, SF/PF: Rookie scale contract
Trae Young, PG: $42.5M (2027)
John Collins, PF: $25M (2026)
Clint Capela, C: $21.3M (2025)
Danilo Gallinari, PF: $20.5M (2023)
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG: $18M (2024)
Kevin Huerter, SG: $16.3M (2026)
De'Andre Hunter, SF: $8M (2023)
Onyeka Okongwu, PF: $6.6M (2024)
Jalen Johnson, PF: $3.2M (2025)
Delon Wright, PG: UFA
Lou Williams, SG: UFA
Kevin Knox, SF: RFA
Gorgui Dieng, C: UFA
Skylar Mays, SG: RFA
Sharife Cooper, PG: RFA
Griffin was a 5-star prospect coming out of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York, according to 247Sports. He displayed a well-rounded skill set during his only college season with the Blue Devils, which bodes well for him making a quick impact at the NBA level.
The forward is an efficient shooter, including the ability to knock down outside shots, and strong wing defender. It should allow him to play an important role in the Hawks' rotation, even if he doesn't receive a ton of touches on offense as a rookie.
His role with the Hawks will steadily increase as his offensive arsenal continues to grow in the coming years.
