The 2018 NBA Manifesto
Kadeem Allen
PG/SG - 6’3, 200lbs - 25 years old - 1 year of experience
In his first professional season, Allen spent the majority of his time in the G-League with the Maine Red Claws. He did get a few NBA minutes and one random start when the team almost completely ran out of ball handlers, yet he mostly spent time in the minors, trying to prove he could develop beyond just being an excellent defensive specialist at the college level.
It does not convincingly look as though that has happened. Allen certainly is and was that, a committed hustler with enough lateral quickness to stay in front of many opponents, and suitably engaged to do his best on switches. But the offensive skill is low, too low. Allen is neither a shooter, driver, nor much of a playmaker. How can one be an NBA guard without one of the three?
Put it this way - the Celtics at one point totally ran out of point guards. Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart and Shane Larkin were all out. And yet Abdel Nader got ball handling responsibilities ahead of Allen. What does that say about his future?
If that is the case when he is 25, how much different when it be when he is 27? To have upside, surely the offensive skill should be beyond this point by now. A Mario West-like career at the point guard spot is possible, should such a role ever need to be created, but will it?
Allen should play professionally, and well, for a few years. 17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.7 blocks per game G-League averages are pretty good. But the NBA looks like a step too far.
Player Plan: Has another year on his two-way contract still to run. Personally I would cut him from it and use the slot on a player with better upside. And probably younger. But should he hang around with the Red Claws anyway, keep tabs. An improved jump shot changes the narrative.
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PG/SG - 6’3, 200lbs - 25 years old - 1 year of experience
In his first professional season, Allen spent the majority of his time in the G-League with the Maine Red Claws. He did get a few NBA minutes and one random start when the team almost completely ran out of ball handlers, yet he mostly spent time in the minors, trying to prove he could develop beyond just being an excellent defensive specialist at the college level.
It does not convincingly look as though that has happened. Allen certainly is and was that, a committed hustler with enough lateral quickness to stay in front of many opponents, and suitably engaged to do his best on switches. But the offensive skill is low, too low. Allen is neither a shooter, driver, nor much of a playmaker. How can one be an NBA guard without one of the three?
Put it this way - the Celtics at one point totally ran out of point guards. Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart and Shane Larkin were all out. And yet Abdel Nader got ball handling responsibilities ahead of Allen. What does that say about his future?
If that is the case when he is 25, how much different when it be when he is 27? To have upside, surely the offensive skill should be beyond this point by now. A Mario West-like career at the point guard spot is possible, should such a role ever need to be created, but will it?
Allen should play professionally, and well, for a few years. 17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.7 blocks per game G-League averages are pretty good. But the NBA looks like a step too far.
Player Plan: Has another year on his two-way contract still to run. Personally I would cut him from it and use the slot on a player with better upside. And probably younger. But should he hang around with the Red Claws anyway, keep tabs. An improved jump shot changes the narrative.
