What is wrong with them??? Dude's a walking injury . When he actually played in 22/33 averaged 9/2/1. There were several dudes available that they could have used. Stupid.
It may be worth considering the actual expectations for 2nd round picks.... You don't normally get 6'6 elite athletes (40 inch vert) with a 40% 3pt stroke who are only 20. Or maybe there is someone on the big board we're all overlooking who fits that bill? Who was that again?
I mean, I would have much rather had Jamal Shead, but there's nothing at all wrong with this move instead.
I know who AJ Griffin is Doc. I was high on him the year he came out. You actually made my point for me. Even as a rookie, is it normal for a 6'6 "elite athlete" with a 40" vertical to average 2 boards in 20 min a gm? Hey maybe he can get and stay healthy and maybe, Ime can light a fire under him. If so, I'll be happy to say I was wrong. Would love to see it.
Erm..... Perhaps you're overthinking things? Averaging 2 boards per game from last year's draft: 6. Anthony Black 8. Jarace Walker 10. Jason Wallace (Etc) But the point remains, 2nd round picks are a gamble. There isn't a better prospect available than AJ Griffin.... if he was all locked in then unlikely he gets traded. It is a gamble to keep the pick OR to trade it. I am happier to hope Griffin pays off than whichever random and defective player we could get at 44 - who has less talent, and potentially physical limitations which prevents them being an NBA player. Bottom line: if AJ doesn't make it, no loss. It was worth a shot.
Agreed AJ Griffin is a dud. I saw him enough at Duke to firmly conclude he would never become a good NBA rotation player. The positive spin on the trade is one could argue he is more likely to make the roster than whoever the 44th pick would have been. He should also be better training camp fodder. This is very faint praise but it's something.
Another overlooked aspect of this move, he may carry value as part of a mid season trade if he reclaims his rookie year form in the Valley.
You see his family is making the suggestion that his "older gf" has been grooming him? Apparently it's something teams had a problem with.
