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New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Kadeem Allen signing

By Maxwell Ogden

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Kadeem Allen #45 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Kadeem Allen #45 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Kadeem Allen #45 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during a game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Kadeem Allen #45 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during a game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

4. Scoring Ability

Kadeem Allen struggled to shoot with much efficiency as a rookie, but that shouldn’t speak to his ability. With time to adjust to the NBA three-point line, he should be able to contribute in a manner that more accurately reflects his capabilities.

That’s based on faith and his college career, but Allen has proven to be willing to put the work in to improve—and did so during his time at Arizona.

Allen converted just 18 three-point field goals in 34 games on 36.0 percent shooting as a freshman with the Arizona Wildcats. He increased both numbers as a sophomore, knocking down 32 of his attempts in 34 outings on 42.7 percent shooting from distance.

That displays a willingness to address his flaws, as well as the potential range to be able to work without the ball at the highest possible level.

In terms of what currently makes him dangerous, Allen is capable of beating his man off the dribble and finishing in traffic. His length is an asset around the rim, and his strength enables him to bully smaller defenders when they stand in his way.

Allen’s jump shot will make or break his NBA career, but a 2017-18 G League average of 17.7 points per game proves that he can score. The New York Knicks are right to be intrigued.