3 All-ACC Duke players for Knicks fans to watch in March Madness

2: SF/PF AJ Griffin

In a recent ESPN mock draft (subscription required), Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz had five-star recruit and Team USA Champion AJ Griffin going to New York with the No. 11 pick.

The 18-year-old is averaging 10.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in the 34 games that he’s played in for Duke. He’s shooting 50.2% from the floor, 46.7% from the 3-point line on nearly four attempts per game, and 75.6% from the free-throw line.

AJ Griffin’s shooting would greatly benefit the New York Knicks.

Unlike Keels, the six-foot-six forward is a solid shooter which is evident from his shooting percentages. His career-high came against rival UNC on Feb. 5 in a 27-point performance where he shot 11-of-17 from the field and 3-of-6 from the 3-point line.

Griffin’s effective in catch-and-shoot jump shots and off-the-dribble jump shots. If the Knicks can find/develop a point guard, the versatile forward will help to space the floor, especially with his ability to knock down 3-pointers.

In fact, if he can keep his 3-point percentage above 46%, he’ll become the first player in Duke’s storied history to attempt more than 100 shots from downtown while hitting more than 46% of them. That’s impressive, especially when you consider the 3-point shooters that were once Blue Devils (ie: J.J. Reddick).

With his seven-foot wingspan, Griffin’s athleticism is a bonus on the defensive end too. He has the tools to become a 3-and-D threat in the NBA.

Griffin got out to a rough start but since the start of 2022, he’s grown into a potential lottery pick. If he winds up in New York, fans should be more than happy although he isn’t a point guard.