Author: Monojit Mandal
The Phoenix Suns apparently showed no reluctance in acquiring Grayson Allen, a player known for his contentious outbursts on the court, in a shocking move. Despite Allen’s reputation as a “dirty” player, the Suns have expressed confidence in his ability to fit into the team’s culture, according to Duane Rankin of AZCentral.
Allen’s fame stems from his days at Duke University, when he made a name for himself by tripping up opponents on several occasions. His bad behavior peaked in 2016, when he was suspended indefinitely by Duke for roughing up an Elon player. The punishment, however, was lifted after just one game.
Allen’s combative habits have also been seen in the NBA, especially in a heated confrontation with DeMar DeRozan last season. Nevertheless, the Suns pursued a trade, in which Allen was acquired as part of a three-team deal in which Damian Lillard was transferred to the Milwaukee Bucks. Phoenix obtained Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson, in exchange for Deandre Ayton and a second-round pick, Toumani Camara.
Allen’s five-year NBA career has been a combination of potential and scandal, averaging 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. He was a starter in 70 games for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, but in Phoenix he’ll probably be a backup for the big guns.
Allen, who is 6’10” and is known for his shooting ability and quickness, has a career three-point shooting percentage of 38% and an average of 9.2 points per game in the NBA. His defensive skills and aggressiveness on the court also caught the eye.
Despite his aggressive style of play and his history of controversial attitudes, many in the basketball world recognize Allen’s importance as a versatile player and loyal teammate. He is known for his unwavering work ethic and dedication to his club, attributes that could make him a useful resource for the Suns, who are looking to bolster their roster and compete at a high level this season.