Utah Jazz: Grayson Allen picks up votes in annual rookie survey
By Ryan Aston
Utah Jazz rookie Grayson Allen picked up votes in multiple categories in the league’s annual survey of first-year players.
Earlier this month, this year’s crop of incoming NBA draftees descended upon Tarrytown, New York to take part in what has become a summer tradition — the league’s annual rookie photoshoot. While there, the top first-year guys, including Utah Jazz rook Grayson Allen, were snapped in their pro jerseys for the first time.
Between sessions, they also participated in another rite of passage for incoming players, the NBA Rookie Survey. And despite the fact that he was drafted in the 20s, Allen received votes in multiple categories.
At times during his college career, the Duke legend was touted as one of the NCAA’s best clutch shooters. A couple of his contemporaries see that jumper translating to the Association; in response to the question about which rookie was the best shooter, Allen and Donte DiVincenzo were tied for fifth among vote-getters.
If he’s able to cope with the pressure, speed and athleticism of NBA defenses, that could definitely prove true. During his four-year run with the Blue Devils, he knocked down 38 percent of his 3-pointers and 83 percent of his foul shots. His best overall shooting season was his sophomore year, during which he posted a 47-42-84 shooting line.
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Trae Young was the most name-checked player in the category, garnering 47 percent of the vote.
Meanwhile, a consistent shot could aid him in the other category he received votes (vote?) in — biggest steal based on draft position. Allen would have to have an unexpectedly great rookie campaign to earn that title. If he can do so, though, he’ll be following in the footsteps of Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell was the top choice in this category in last year’s survey and went on to win the ESPY and NBPA Players Voice awards as the biggest first-year standout.
The 2018 survey pegged Keita Bates-Diop as the top draft steal, although he captured just 13 percent of the vote.
Of course, this is a survey of less than 40 people, so we’re talking about a pretty small sample size (and, really, very few votes for Allen). That said, it’s a fun exercise for mid-August, right?
The full survey results can be found at NBA.com