Grayson Allen is one of the new guys on the Phoenix Suns’ roster this season, giving the team an interesting dynamic. Allen was part of the trade that made the Milwaukee Bucks acquire Damian Lillard.
Although he isn’t a star in the league, he knows his role well and can contribute enough for the team to positively impact the 2023-24 NBA season.
The question regarding which player takes over as the sixth man for the Suns is still up in the air, and the former Duke guard could fill the role.
Since getting drafted to the NBA, Allen has slowly developed into one of the best role players. Despite his notorious reputation of being a “dirty player,” he’s shown considerable improvement as a complete and reliable guard in the league.
This season, he could have a responsibility as Phoenix’s best option from the second unit. The way I see it, not everyone will be happy with the decision. However, his recent upward trend should be enough for people to convince them of what he can do on the court.
3. Allen will create shots for his teammates
During the Suns’ first two preseason games, the starters only played in the first game and were on a minute’s restriction. It was a chance for Allen and the other players to shine in head coach Frank Vogel’s system.
During the first game, the two-way guard had an impressive outing as he came off the bench. He had 18 points and three assists in 20 minutes of playing time. His play gave the team an advantage over the Detroit Pistons.
In their second game, he started over Devin Booker, who sat out with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Allen scored ten points, dished out seven assists, and stole the ball two times against the Denver Nuggets. Although they lost, the Suns guard displayed his playmaking skills.
His assist numbers will likely increase under Vogel’s system. While he still has tendencies where he’ll turn the ball over, time will correct those mistakes.
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.
1. A veteran sixth man can mentor him
Over the summer, the Suns acquired Eric Gordon, who won the 2016-17 Sixth Man of the Year. Gordon is currently on the older side, at 34 years of age. His age is proof of his storied NBA career, which could benefit players who are gradually improving, such as Allen.
The second unit will have a more fluid way of scoring the ball, as most of them are capable catch-and-shoot players. That way, Gordon can have a positive impact on the team. Recently, he talked about how communication will play a notable role in the team’s success this season. This season, he’s looking to be a leader in Phoenix and is willing to communicate with the other players.
“A lot of teams that I’ve been on, I’ve always kind of been like the peacemaker, communicator, between everybody. Everybody wants to win. That’s the great thing about this coaching staff, everybody’s communicating with players… they communicate pretty well.” Gordon said.
With what Gordon said, it should be a sign that he will mentor the younger guys. As Allen’s game continues to mature — the veteran guard could guide him as the team’s new sixth man.