AJ Griffin NBA Draft Odds: Blazers in Top Spot For Duke Star

Mar 14th, 2024 7:22 AM EST

If recent history is any indication, AJ Griffin is going to make it in the NBA. Consider that the freshman wing follows a list of fellow Duke alumni at the same position that includes: RJ Barrett, Gary Trent, Jayson Tatum, and Brandon Ingram. Griffin is more Trent than anyone else on that list, but there’s plenty to like about what should be the 10th Blue Devils player to be selected in the top-10 since 2015.

If you need an outside shot, Griffin is your man. The sharpshooter has made nearly 46% of his 3-point attempts, including nearly 49% during the ACC season. He’s a versatile defender who should be able to guard multiple positions at the next level, and his thick frame and 7-foot wingspan is NBA-ready.

He’s got NBA lineage as his father, Adrian, played and coached in the NBA. He’s had to take somewhat of a backseat in terms of usage on a loaded Duke team, but there’s no denying his talent and potential at the next level.

This page will be updated between March Madness and the NBA draft to reflect the shifting liklihood of Griffin's landing spot.

AJ Griffin NBA Draft Odds

Team	Odds
Portland Trail Blazers	+400
New York Knicks	+500
Memphis Grizzlies	+500
San Antonio Spurs	+700
Sacramento Kings	+800
Washington Wizards	+800
The Field	+300

Odds are projected and are not currently available at legal betting sites or betting apps.

Poor Defenses Will Key In on Griffin

The key to handicapping Griffin’s potential landing spot likely begins with a look at defenses. Teams will salivate over his 220-pound frame and 7-foot wingspan. That's why for our NBA futures odds, we’re looking hard at the Blazers, who are 29th in defensive efficiency as of this writing. They are desperate for wing defenders and they’ve had recent luck with Duke wings, drafting Trent in 2018. They could certainly go back to the well with another sharpshooter (and better defender) with one of their two first-round picks.

Don’t overlook the Kings for your NBA betting, either. Though Griffin may be off the board when it comes time for them to pick, he’d be an excellent fit. Sacramento is 28th in defensive efficiency, Harrison Barnes is a free agent in 2023, and they haven’t drafted a true small forward since Tyreke Evans in 2009. The selection of defensive whiz Davion Mitchell last year signaled a potential shift in strategy, and adding another upside defender in Griffin would make sense.

Grizzlies & Knicks Both Make Sense

Two defenses that have performed well this season also wouldn’t mind adding Griffin. The Knicks have something special brewing with RJ Barrett on the wing, but pairing him with a defensive-minded player in Griffin (while also getting another perimeter shooter) makes a ton of sense.

Tom Thibodeau loves his hard-nosed players, and Griffin’s father, Adrian, coached on Thibodeau’s staff in Chicago. That could go a long way on draft night if Griffin is available when New York picks.

The Grizzlies love their hard-nosed players, and that’s what Griffin brings to the table. He also gives them a potential wing option alongside Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies could lose Kyle Anderson in free agency this summer and Dillon Brooks has just one year left on his deal. Replenishing the wing will be a priority for the Grizz sooner than later.

About the Author

Mark Strotman

More About Mark

Mark is a veteran sports betting journalist who has covered the Bulls and the NBA since 2012. His work has appeared on ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, The Chicago Tribune and Yahoo Sports. He regularly provides NBA betting picks, as well as in-depth sportsbook reviews and the latest promo codes for all the major sports gambling operators, including Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and more.

AJ Griffin NBA Draft Odds: Blazers in Top Spot For Duke Star

AJ Griffin NBA Draft Odds

Poor Defenses Will Key In on Griffin

Grizzlies & Knicks Both Make Sense

About the Author

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