In an offseason where the Milwaukee Bucks made no shortage of compelling decisions, arguably the most captivating has been the trade for third-year guard Grayson Allen.
The Bucks acquired Allen in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this month in exchange for Sam Merrill and two future second round draft picks. It is an interesting addition for the reigning champions and one that has earned the attention of the fanbase. Justifiably so as Allen has the potential to help the Bucks defend their title next season, and it appears that the guard is just as excited to get to work with his new team as the fans. Via the team’s official YouTube channel:
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"“Super excited. It’s pretty crazy to go in and play for the defending champs, be able to play for a contender, a great team. I feel like I can fit really well, so for me, it was a bunch of excitement in that first hour when I got that call…[I bring] good shooting, spacing the floor, stretching out the defense, being a quick shooter. Good defense, playing hard defensively. Focusing in on that end and making good and making good little plays, smart plays with the ball, the right play on offense. Playing hard with effort on defense. All that stuff.”"
Grayson Allen is excited to get to work with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2021-22 NBA season
There has been a hefty amount of analysis done involving Allen regarding his fit with the Bucks since the trade went through. The guard pretty much hit the nail on the head with his individual breakdown of what he will bring to the table, detailing that everything has previously been said about how he will earn his keep with this team.
The biggest legitimate uncertainty is where Allen will find himself in the lineup. That will ultimately hinge on Donte DiVincenzo’s health as the team’s starting shooting guard underwent surgery after suffering an ankle injury in the 2021 postseason. If DiVincenzo is not ready to suit up by opening night, Allen will likely get the nod at the two-guard spot. Although he is a newcomer, Allen would give the Bucks a player with starting experience as he started in 50 of his 38 appearances with the Grizzlies last season, and perhaps DiVincenzo’s uncertain healthy gave the team some motivation to trade for a read-made starter.
Allen would fit perfectly lineups with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez with his skill set. His outside shot, specifically the catch-and-shoot, would help make him a reliable kick-out threat on the perimeter on the offensive end, while his stature on the other end of the floor would help the team stay up to par with DiVincenzo potentially sidelined for the foreseeable future. His endless hustle and intensity would help bring some edge to the starting five as well, which would be valuable.
If the team decides he is best suited to play a bench role, then that just fortifies Milwaukee’s retooled second unit further. Allen would join a revamped bench mob consisting of players such as Bobby Portis, George Hill, Semi Ojeleye, and Rodney Hood, solidifying the team’s depth with yet another household name. Allen could also be more of a situational player for the Bucks, finding himself playing when the situation presents itself in those moments if he comes off the bench.
Wherever he begins the season, fans will be anxious to see if he can make a strong impression with the Bucks.
He has the requisite skills to fit right in with this group, and time will tell if Bucks general manager Jon Horst found another hidden gem here.