3 reasons Grayson Allen has a chance to be Suns’ sixth man
![PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 02: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during NBA media day on October 02, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 02: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during NBA media day on October 02, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f00d8046e91298922dc4baa9adaf74430ef2bef4d233f08e2a6cffc852c73149.jpg)
2. Aggressiveness on the offensive side
Most people are thinking, “It’s the preseason. It doesn’t matter.” While that’s not entirely true, it could reflect Allen’s role with the team this season. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard has the chance to be a more aggressive scorer with his new team.
After their game against the defending champions, he hinted at the realization that he’s getting a chance to attack the rim more often.
Grayson Allen blocks the shot then knocks down the corner three.
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) October 8, 2023
3&D. pic.twitter.com/vNiXCzfa9z
“It’s been fun. Kinda mixing up the looks in our offense,” Allen said. “I don’t expect it to be that way all year, I’m sure I’m still gonna be a more 3s than 2s kind of guy… Being able to throw different looks to the defense, especially, and still be productive in games where I couldn’t get as many threes.”
His role with the Bucks was different, as he was more of a catch-and-shoot player. For the Suns, Vogel might try to have him initiate his offense and take the lead with the team’s second unit. After their first preseason game, Allen talked about how he’ll be able to attack the rim more often.
“Probably a lot,” Allen said when asked about being more aggressive in scoring the ball inside. “The styles on offense are gonna be very different from when I was playing in the last two years to this year. A little bit of an adjustment for me, but [I’m] also look[ing for] an opportunity to take advantage of being in some of these different spots.”
If all goes well, the Suns will have a roster with stars and players who play their roles fittingly. I can’t predict how his stats are going to look like in his first season, but he’ll start to show signs of maturity with the Suns.