Kadeem Allen, Arizona Wildcats
Upside Comparison: Patrick Beverley
Position: Point Guard
Age: 24
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2.25″, 192 pounds, 6’9.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .453/.427/.741
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.0 MPG, 9.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.9 3PM
Kadeem Allen is a somewhat under the radar prospect, but he has the tools to be the player whom the New York Knicks need. A 6’3″ and 192-pound point guard with a near 6’10” wingspan, Allen has the physical tools to be a lockdown defender at the next level.
Allen flashed that potential throughout his collegiate career, and earned an upside comparison to Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley—on both ends of the floor.
Just watch him lock up potential No. 1 overall selection Markelle Fultz:
Like Beverley, Allen has the ability to guard both guard spots with effectiveness, primarily due to the tenacity he displays on the defensive end of the floor. He gets into his assignment’s jersey and chases them around the floor until the final buzzer sounds.
Effort on the defensive end of the floor has never been an issue for Allen, and it doesn’t project to become one any time soon.
Offensively, Allen doesn’t offer much, but he’s competent in multiple facets of the game. His jump shot improved by a significant measure between 2015-16 and 2016-17, and his work ethic should enable it to continue to improve.
Point guards in the triangle offense face less responsibility with the ball and embrace more of an off-ball role, and Allen has the skill level to excel in that capacity.