Offensive Rating
We all know that Allen can shoot and most everyone acknowledges that he’s a capable defender, but how much better does he truly make an offense? Is he a one-trick pony who can only spot up behind the perimeter? Not exactly. And his offensive rating easily backs that up.
Allen is capable of scoring in a variety of ways with his crafty arsenal of offensive weapons and an underrated athleticism that allows him to create shots and finish at the rim. Those abilities, as well as his court vision and other helpful attributes on the offensive end of the floor, led to him having an elite offensive rating during his time in college.
Twice during his four-year career, he finished in the top ten in offensive rating in the ACC, with a mark of 123.3 (8th) in his senior season and 128.5 (3rd) in his sophomore year. Overall, Allen averaged an offensive rating of 123.3 throughout his college career.
How good is that, you ask? Well, since the 2009-10 season, it’s the 25th best mark in the NCAA, putting him ahead of notable NBA talents such as Fred VanVleet, Yogi Ferrell and even All-Star Kemba Walker. In simple terms, Allen most definitely has offensive skill that should translate over to the NBA level and help him develop into not just a 3-point threat but also a well-rounded scorer for the Jazz.
If you’re feeling uneasy about the Grayson Allen selection, I completely understand. He has a long way to go in order to prove that he’s no longer the tantrum-throwing kid from Duke and is instead a professional. However, I have faith in Dennis Lindsey and the rest of Jazz brass selecting him, and also believe in Allen’s ability to turn things around for the better.
Not only that, but when observing stats such as the three I’ve mentioned, it becomes pretty easy to see what the Utah front office saw in the kid. He has some excellent tools that should make him fit nicely with the Jazz. And with such being the case, I know I, for one, am on board with having him in a Utah uniform. If he lives up to the potential that these stats indicate, I’m sure it won’t be long until he’s won over the rest of Jazz Nation as well.
All stats courtesy of sports-reference.com