Adrian Darnell “AJ” Griffin Jr. has rapidly ascended the basketball ranks from high school to becoming a professional player for the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey is marked by noteworthy achievements, starting with his high school career.

>> Best betting sites (2024)

Quick Facts

Full Name	Adrian Darnell “AJ” Griffin Jr.
Nickname	AJ
Date of Birth	August 25, 2003
Age	20
Birth Place	Dallas, Texas
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight	222 lb (101 kg)
Father’s Name	Adrian Griffin Sr.
Mother’s Name	Audrey Griffin
Siblings	Vanessa, Alan, Aubrey
School	Archbishop Stepinac High School
Marital Status	Single
Current Girlfriend	None
Children	None
Profession	Professional Basketball Player
Position	Small Forward
Leagues	NBA
NBA Draft	2022, 1st Round, 16th overall pick
NBA Playing Teams	Atlanta Hawks
Awards and Achievements	ACC All-Freshman Team McDonald’s All-American Game
Net Worth	NA
Salary	$3,536,160
Social Media	Instagram Twitter
Merch	NA

AJ Griffin  Early Life 

Adrian Darnell “AJ” Griffin Jr. was born on August 25, 2003, in Dallas, Texas, to his parents, Adrian Griffin Sr. and Audrey Griffin. He is the youngest of four siblings, including sisters Vanessa and Aubrey and older brother Alan. Growing up surrounded by a family deeply rooted in athletic prowess, Griffin developed confidence and a love for basketball from a young age.

AJ Griffin’s childhood was filled with exciting memories and experiences, primarily influenced by his older siblings. Basketball was his constant passion, and he dreamed of becoming a professional player. Despite facing challenges, including injuries during his high school and college career, Griffin’s family support played a crucial role in his journey.

Family Background

The Griffin family boasts an abundance of athletic genes. AJ’s father, Adrian Griffin Sr., was an NBA star, and his mother, Audrey, was an All-American track and field star at Seton Hall. Family bonding included memorable moments on the basketball court, with AJ and his siblings engaging in friendly games against their father.

AJ Griffin’s Father – Adrian Darnell Griffin Sr.:

Adrian Griffin Sr., born July 4, 1974, had a remarkable basketball career. Although he wasn’t selected in the 1996 NBA Draft, he persevered through the minor leagues for three years before achieving his dream. Griffin Sr. played for the Boston Celtics in the 1999-2000 season and retired in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.

Despite a busy basketball career, Adrian Griffin Sr. prioritized his role as a father and husband. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, sharing his expertise with his children. Griffin Sr. emphasized the value of hard work and consistently instilled essential life lessons in his sons and daughters.

AJ Griffin’s Mother – Audrey Griffin

AJ’s mother, Audrey, is an accomplished figure, having been an All-American track and field star at Seton Hall. She passed down her stamina and running ability to her children, engaging in friendly competitions with AJ and showcasing their phenomenal pace and speed.

Audrey is a supportive basketball mom, educator, author, and parenting lifestyle consultant. Her book, “The Day I Took off My Cape: An NBA Wife’s Journey to Finding Family Balance,” reflects her insights into parenting, family, and personal growth.

AJ Griffin’s Siblings

AJ’s older brother, Alan Griffin, is an exceptional basketball player who played for Illinois and Syracuse before turning pro in the G-League. Alan’s skills and versatility earned him the Most Valuable Player award in the CHSAA Intersectional Tournament.

Aubrey Griffin, AJ’s sister, is a junior forward on the UConn women’s basketball team, displaying her athletic prowess. She, too, inherited her father’s work ethic and won the Section 1 Miss Basketball Award for being the best female player in Westchester County.

AJ Griffin’s Grandfather – David Alan Griffin Sr.:

Although AJ didn’t have the opportunity to meet his grandfather, David Alan Griffin Sr., he shared a striking resemblance to him in personality and compassion. David Alan Griffin Sr. was a Christian minister who passed away in 2000.

High School Career

Griffin began making waves in basketball while attending Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York. He played varsity basketball in Ossining, New York, as a 7th and 8th grader alongside future NBA players Obi Toppin and Mark Ashby. His first year at Archbishop Stepinac saw him playing alongside his older brother, Alan, contributing to their team’s Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Archdiocesan title win – a feat not achieved since 1984.

We paired him with R. J. Davis during his sophomore season, forming one of the nation’s top backcourts. Griffin’s statistical prowess was evident, averaging 20.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game. Despite a knee injury sidelining him for most of his junior season, he still managed to lead Stepinac to another CHSAA Archdiocesan title. Although an ankle injury kept him out during his senior season, Griffin’s talent was undeniable, earning him a spot on the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic rosters.

Recruiting

AJ Griffin’s outstanding high school performances attracted attention from top college basketball programs. Rated as a five-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals and a four-star recruit by ESPN, Griffin committed to playing college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils on November 4, 2019, choosing Duke over offers from Kentucky and Villanova. His commitment bolstered Duke’s recruiting class, earning impressive ratings across multiple platforms.

College Career

Griffin immediately impacted Duke, showcasing his skills and versatility on the court. On November 19, 2021, he scored 18 points in a dominant win against Lafayette. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team and Honorable Mention All-ACC. Following an impressive freshman season, Griffin declared his intention to enter the 2022 NBA draft, where he was projected as a potential top-five pick.

Professional Career

The Atlanta Hawks selected AJ Griffin with the 16th overall pick in the NBA draft 2022. Joining the Hawks’ 2022 NBA Summer League team, Griffin continued to demonstrate his potential. On July 3, 2022, he signed a rookie-scale contract with the Hawks. Notably, Griffin had standout performances in the NBA regular season, contributing to crucial wins with game-winning alley-oops against the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls.

National Team Career

Griffin’s talents were not confined to the U.S.; he represented the United States at the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship in Brazil. Averaging 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game, Griffin played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal for the U.S., including an 18-point performance in the final against Canada.

Physical Attributes

Adrian Darnell “AJ” Griffin Jr. possesses an impressive physical stature, befitting a professional basketball player. Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) and weighing 222 pounds (101 kilograms), Griffin combines height and strength on the basketball court. His build, characterized by athleticism and versatility, positions him as a formidable small forward, allowing him to navigate the court with agility, skill, and power.

With a wingspan and reach essential in both offensive and defensive plays, Griffin’s physical attributes contribute significantly to his effectiveness as a player. His stature allows him to dominate in various aspects of the game, from scoring points to making crucial defensive stops.

Relationship Status

As of the latest available information, Adrian Darnell “AJ” Griffin Jr.’s relationship status remains private, and he has not publicly disclosed details about his romantic life. 

 

While there may be speculation or curiosity about his relationship status, Griffin has chosen to maintain privacy regarding his personal life. It’s not uncommon for athletes, especially those in the early stages of their careers, to keep details about their relationships private to avoid unnecessary distractions and maintain a focus on their professional endeavors.

Salary and Net Worth

As of the 2022/23 NBA season, Adrian Darnell “AJ” Griffin Jr., a professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks, has a reported salary of $3,536,160. While details about his net worth are not publicly disclosed, it encompasses various financial aspects, including investments, endorsements, and other income sources beyond his annual salary.