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New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up in NCAA Tournament on Mar. 15

By Maxwell Ogden

BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the second half against the Davidson Wildcats during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the second half against the Davidson Wildcats during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 15: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball against Schadrac Casimir #4 of the Iona Gaels during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 15: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball against Schadrac Casimir #4 of the Iona Gaels during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

One can comfortably make the claim that no player has sustained more damage to their draft stock over the past three years than Grayson Allen. Since breaking out during the 2015 NCAA Tournament, Allen’s character and poise have been consistently questioned.

The talent level is undeniable, however, and one would be remiss to ignore the fact that he may have been the best player on the court against the Iona Gaels.

Allen paced the Duke Blue Devils to a Round of 64 victory over the Gaels. He posted 16 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and a steal in 36 minutes of play, converting four three-point field goals to round out his balanced showing.

The numbers may not necessarily blow one away, but the fact that he helped facilitate the offense is a part of the reason why scouts still believe in his potential.

Allen is a 6’4″ shooting guard with an automatic outside shot and the handle and court vision to help lead an offense. The J.J. Redick comparisons may be lazy, but they’re also somewhat appropriate as far as his upside is concerned.

The New York Knicks may not want to put up with the other factors at play, but Allen has the skill level to become a quality NBA player.

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