NBA Draft 2018: 5 best pure shooters available

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils concentrates at the free throw line against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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OMAHA, NE – MARCH 25: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils concentrates at the free throw line against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

5. Grayson Allen, Duke

Grayson Allen, the four-year Duke anti-hero is finally making the leap to the big leagues. Allen made a name for himself with an explosive performance in Duke’s 2015 National Championship victory over the Wisconsin Badgers when he scored 16 points in 21 minutes off the bench as a freshman. From there Allen continued to cement his name in Duke lore while managing to become one of the most hated players outside of Durham.

Besides being the bully of the hardwood, Allen also made a name for himself with his perimeter shooting. In year two at Duke, the swingman upped his 3-point attempts from 1.5 per game all the way to an even six and saw his percentage rise from 34.6 percent to an unconscious 41.7 percent. The Jacksonville, FL native would finish his career shooting 38 percent from deep as a Blue Devil.

Over the course of his time in college, Allen gradually increased his role from a spot-up shooter to on-ball playmaker. His shooting might’ve got him in the door at Duke, but he used his four years there to add dimension to his game. Allen is able to score efficiently on catch-and-shoot, off screens, and off the dribble situations now. In today’s NBA these are necessities that any rotation wing must possess. Coming into the league with these ready-made skills and having four years under the tutelage of former U.S.A. Men’s Senior national team head coach, Mike Krzyzewski certainly gives him a leg up in his transition.

Roster fit won’t be an issue for Allen, but the style of play could impact how quickly Allen gets involved in the NBA game. At 22 years old, Allen is approaching his prime quicker than most rookies. Teams that have readily adapted the pace-and-space play that has slowly taken over the league could surely use a player like Allen.

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