AJ Griffin Speaks for the First Time Since Returning to the Hawks

Griffin has been away from the Hawks for personal reasons

Second-year forward AJ Griffin has been away from the Hawks for personal reasons and has not suited up in a Hawks uniform since Atlanta played the Denver Nuggets at home on Monday, Dec. 11th. 

Today, the Hawks made Griffin available for the first time, and here is what he had to say to the AJC's Lauren Williams: 

"Yeah, I would say that I am glad to be back. The team has been great to be able to support me through that time stepping away for a little, just for personal reasons. I definitely want to keep it brief and not put it all out there."

The Hawks made AJ Griffin available today. “Yeah, I would say I'm glad to be back. The team has been great to be able to support me through that time stepping away for a little, just for personal reasons. I definitely want to keep it brief and not put it all out there.”

— Lauren L. Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) December 28, 2023

Wasn't there today but have now heard the audio and @WilliamsLaurenL did a good job interviewing AJ.

Griffin said it was good to be back on the court and be able to reconnect with the team, said he "just had a great time today."

Also credited support and prayers from family. https://t.co/0D8sopxdn6

— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) December 28, 2023

It is great to see Griffin back with the team and seemingly doing ok, which is the most important part. 

Griffin has not been a big part of the rotation this season after a stellar rookie year. He has had struggles on the defensive end and has not shot the ball as well as he did last year. 

AJ Griffin made his first comments today since returning from his absence / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

I am interested to see if Griffin can find his way back into the rotation. De'Andre Hunter is going to be out for at least the next couple of weeks and Atlanta's other options at that spot (Garrison Matthews and Wesley Matthews) have not played well when given the opportunity. Atlanta has also tried rookie Seth Lundy, but he was injured in Tuesday's game vs the Chicago Bulls. 

Atlanta is back on the court tomorrow night, hosting the Sacramento Kings. This will be the first matchup between the two teams this year and it could be a shootout. Atlanta and Sacramento both have elite offenses, but shaky defenses. It will also be a showdown between two of the premier point guards in the NBA, Trae Young and De'Aaron Fox. The tip-off is set for 7:30 at State Farm Arena tomorrow night. 

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