Damian Lillard gave tips to AJ Griffin after workout with Trail Blazers
Duke freshman AJ Griffin participated in a pre-draft workout with the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday and had the opportunity to talk with Damian Lillard afterward.
Griffin, who was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, averaged 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and one assist on 44.7% shooting from 3-point range last season. He ranked fifth in program history in 3-point percentage and second among freshmen.
The meeting with the Trail Blazers is the only known workout for Griffin at this point of the pre-draft process. He has been linked to Portland and projects to be a good addition next to Lillard, who took some time to give him some tips, via Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian.
Damian Lillard offering instruction to Duke’s AJ Griffin following his Thursday workout with the Trail Blazers. #ripcity pic.twitter.com/ExwlYeAAIw
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) June 9, 2022
Griffin enters the draft projected to be a lottery pick after emerging as a strong shooter off of the ball with the Blue Devils. Griffin, who won’t turn 19 until August, is also viewed as one of the most physical players in the class boasting a 7-foot-2 wingspan.
The Trail Blazers enter the NBA draft with the seventh pick but are heavily rumored to want to trade it to acquire players that can help them win now. However, they have also been linked to several other prospects in their range, such as Bennedict Mathurin and Jalen Duren.
Portland will be among the teams that could be busy on draft night. The organization wants to build a competitive roster around Lillard and figures to be active in trade discussions.
The NBA draft will take place on June 23.
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