Utah Jazz: Grayson Allen to get rotation spot early?
Utah Jazz newcomer Grayson Allen may have the opportunity to hit the hardwood and get meaningful minutes earlier than some may expect with Thabo Sefolosha set to serve a five-game suspension.
It’s somewhat of a rarity in the NBA for late first-round draft picks to crack the rotation in their rookie season, partially due to being drafted by playoff teams. In Utah Jazz rookie Grayson Allen‘s case, however, not only is it likely he’ll get regular minutes as the season progresses, but it’s possible that he’ll be asked to contribute immediately.
Last season, Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell got his first taste of NBA action due to Rodney Hood experiencing gastric distress before the season’s opening tip. The situation Allen faces is not dissimilar as Thabo Sefolosha is set to miss the first five games of the 2018-19 season with a suspension.
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Allen possesses many traits that have become synonymous with the Jazz’s identity; he plays with a chip on his shoulder and he’s a good teammate that’s eager to learn and willing to work hard. Furthermore, aside from these intangibles, Allen’s versatility offensively is his greatest asset. He proved once again throughout summer league that he’s comfortable playing with the ball in his hands, he moves very well off the ball and has the potential to be a deadly catch-and-shoot threat.
So, despite being a late first-round selection to a playoff team with great depth, there are some expectations for Allen to be a contributor in his rookie year, especially after playing under Mike Krzyzewski for four seasons at Duke. Now, Sefolosha is expected to play the majority, if not all of his minutes at power forward this season, and Allen’s minutes are going to come between the two guard spots. However, Sefolosha’s injury could cause a trickle-down effect that results in a small opening for Allen.
The Jazz have a logjam at guard with Mitchell, Ricky Rubio, Dante Exum and Royce O’Neale all expected to get consistent minutes from the get go. Thus, Sefolosha’s suspension may provide a much-needed platform for Allen to get his NBA career underway.
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Coach Quin Snyder once said “adversity is opportunity in disguise.” In this instance, Thabo Sefolosha’s adversity may provide Grayson Allen’s opportunity.