Drafting Grayson Allen
By now, Jazz and NBA fans alike know that Grayson Allen is the team’s most recent draft pick. Initially, those that cover the team weren’t exactly thrilled with the selection at No. 21:
The Utah Jazz have selected Grayson Allen ... *deep breath* pic.twitter.com/yHAa0q7Tez
— SLC Dunk (@slcdunk) June 22, 2018
That tweet was likely sent out more in response to Allen’s multiple on-court incidents during his time playing for the Duke Blue Devils than anything to do with his basketball skills; something the radio voice of the Jazz, David Locke, touched on:
Everytime I watched Grayson Allen I liked him more. Can play both guard spots, but is better off ball. Will be a really good weak side offensive player both as shooter and driver. Has NBA athleticism. Gets every 50 50 ball. Plays hard and that is a skill
— David Locke (@DLocke09) June 22, 2018
One of the number one things that couch GMs look for in their team’s new players is if he can produce highlight plays. If his NBA Summer League performance was any indication, Allen will produce many and then some next season:
Allen was a career 38.0 percent shooter from beyond the arc over his four-year career at Duke. If he had shot that well from deep this past season, he would have ranked fifth among Jazz players.
A team can never have enough 3-point shooters, but the Jazz may have something more on their hands.
Grade: B+