NBA Mock Draft: DeAndre Ayton joins the Hawks

I just find it hard to imagine Grayson Allen not having a career in the NBA.

He’s an undeniably productive volume shooter, with a career .442/.394/.834 split at Duke. And he’s come out this year and looked great as the leader of one of Coach K’s most talented rosters ever.

Since a Black Friday matchup with Texas in which he fouled out after only 25 minutes of playing time, Allen has been excellent, increasing his 2-point shooting percentage up past 50 percent while continuing to launch 3s. He takes and makes difficult shots when the Blue Devils’ offense needs help, providing a crutch for the four freshmen in Duke’s starting lineup.

I said in my last mock draft that I felt like Allen could serve a role similar to that of CJ McCollum in Portland. He has the handle and play-making ability to earn the respect of defenses, with the elite shooting to keep them honest.

The only real problems are his athleticism and size. He is below average physically, with a slow first step and without the strength to finish. His offense is mostly passing and shooting, and as a 22-year-old, it’s difficult to imagine him taking a massive step as a finisher or driver.