Discover Amari Allen's versatile game, rebounding prowess, and scoring touch, key attributes that could make him the 76ers' perfect draft-day steal.
The latest mock draft from The Ringer has Philadelphia selecting Amari Allen at No. 23, and the reasoning points to a clear archetype. Allen, right now, is a versatile guard with a solid shooting touch and room to grow in terms of his finishing touch, but the physical profile and tools make him a hard prospect to ignore.
As a freshman at Alabama, Allen averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field and 34.1% from three. Those numbers show a player who is comfortable impacting the game in multiple ways. His rebounding stands out; he is strong, has a good nose for the ball, and is always hustling to crash the boards. This will help him on the next level, as he will likely be asked to play a supporting role to start his career and have to do a lot of the dirty work.
Allen's versatility is what makes him intriguing. At 6'8, he has the size to shoot over defenders and has developed as a ball handler. He's effective in transition, has shown the ability to finish with both hands, and moves well within an offense. In games where Alabama has played at a faster tempo, Allen thrived as a creator on the perimeter.
His best performance shows his creative ability that could potentially translate at the next level. In a 25-point outing against Vanderbilt, Allen demonstrated his ability to attack the rim, draw contact, and space the floor. In tournament play, he impacted the game from all levels and showed that he is one of the most well-rounded guards in the draft with plenty of room to improve.
Despite his versatility, Allen is still raw in some areas. He isn't the best shot creator due to his lack of burst off the dribble. There are multiple times in the game when he has the step advantage on a defender driving to the rim but is unable to convert because the defender catches up to him. His three-point shot is promising, but his release is a tad slow and could use some speeding up so he can shoot without contest at the next level. He also needs to improve his decision-making as a ball handler, but this is the least concerning aspect of his game due to his other skills as a connective piece.
For Philadelphia, Allen's potential value lies in how he complements their star players. With creators already on the roster, the Sixers benefit from players who can move the ball around, make quick decisions, and contribute without having plays called for them. Allen fits that mold as someone who can rebound, facilitate, and slot into multiple positions, giving him the ability to develop his all-around game over time without the pressure of being relied on as a primary player.
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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at dixonwesley286@gmail.com.