Atlanta Hawks 2022 NBA Draft Recap

The 2022 NBA Draft came and went without any blockbuster trades for the Atlanta Hawks. John Collins is still on the team (for now), and a new rookie is ready to add defense to the team. Let's review tonight's events as they pertain to the Hawks.

No. 16 - AJ Griffin

Despite all of the rumors of the Hawks trading up in the draft, no deal ever came to fruition. However, the team did get a promising young player. AJ Griffin is only 18 years old. The small forward is 6'6", 222 pounds, and was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team after a stellar freshman season.

With the 16th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, we select AJ Griffin from @DukeMBB ! pic.twitter.com/rATFlelduJ
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 24, 2022

It's safe to assume Atlanta's front office did not expect Griffin to fall all the way to No. 16. Griffin told the media that he did not communicate with the Hawks during the pre-draft process. Additionally, Griffin said he looked forward to playing for an organization that prided itself in defense. So clearly, he's watched a lot of Hawks basketball as of late.

No. 51 - Tyrese Martin

Salute to the Hawks fans that stayed up until nearly midnight to find out who the Hawks would select with their second round pick. Unfortunately, fans would have to wait a little bit longer to find out as Atlanta traded the No. 44 pick to the Golden State Warriors for cash and the 51st pick. Tyrese Martin from UCONN was selected at No. 51. Martin is a 23-year-old wing who stands at 6'8", and 215 pounds.

Martin played for Huskies coach Dan Hurley at Rhode Island and UConn. https://t.co/ieCb7MbBAm
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2022

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