Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin was among the 11 first-year players to participate in the NBA Rising Stars game on Friday, and the rookie had plenty of fans in attendance to watch him.
Among them: His father.
Adrian Griffin is an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors. He played in the NBA for nine years and even suited up in the first Rising Stars game during the 1999-00 season as a member of the Boston Celtics.
AJ played for Team Deron on Friday and recorded three points, one rebound and one steal in a loss to the eventual champions, Team Pau. The opportunity to watch AJ in the showcase was very meaningful for Adrian.
I played in the first #risingstars game back in 1999 and now I get to see my son @whoisAG21 play tonight. Funny how things come full circle 🙏🏾🙌🏾❤️ @NBA pic.twitter.com/gGzlgmLUtb
— Adrian Griffin, Ph.D. (@NBACoachGriffin) February 18, 2023
AJ talks to his father every day, despite the two being on different teams. Adrian watches AJ play as much as he can, and will often send him film to watch. He will also offer him feedback on his performances to help AJ develop on the court.
He earned the selection after averaging 9.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and one assist in 55 games on 47.7% shooting from the field. He is second among all rookies in 3-point percentage (39.4) and fourth in total 3s (82) at this point of the season.
AJ and Adrian became the second father-son duo to appear in the Rising Stars game, joining Domantas Sabonis and Arvydas Sabonis. AJ called it an honor to compete in the event at All-Star Weekend.
“It is a dream come true,” AJ said on Friday “I’m reaching these accomplishments early on in my career, I think it just shows how the blueprint and the hard work (I’ve) been putting in and continue to stay the course.”
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