Atlanta Hawks select Duke freshman A.J. Griffin with the No. 16 pick in 2022 NBA Draft

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Atlanta Hawks select Duke freshman A.J. Griffin with the No. 16 pick in 2022 NBA Draft

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.

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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.

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.

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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)

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