Chicago Bulls: Three draft options with the New Orleans Pelicans pick

Grayson Allen, Shooting Guard, Duke University (Senior)

This one’s the wildcard.

One of the most infamous players in the country, Duke Blue Devils shooting guard Grayson Allen is nothing short of a household name.

A former McDonald’s All-American, Allen launched his name into the National conversation during the 2015-16 season, in which he was named a Third-team All-American.

https://twitter.com/DukeBlueHoops/status/957287537848016896

It’s been mostly downhill from then, with Allen’s production on court declining, as well as his on-court maturity drawing majors questions.

Allen’s junior season was tainted with several tripping incidents, which resulted in a one-game suspension and Coach K stripping Allen of his captaincy. While Allen hasn’t had a documented on-court incident since, he is still widely-known as one of the dirtiest players in the country.

Perhaps the worst decision of Allen’s career didn’t even happen on the court, as many people thought that Allen should have declared for the draft following his sophomore season, in which he averaged 21.6 points per game. That decision immediately had negative affects, as Allen’s averages dropped drastically in 2017, with per game averages for points, assists and rebounds all down from the previous season.

22 games into his senior season, Allen is averaging 14.9 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and 4.5 assists per game.

https://twitter.com/theACCDN/status/958156608516665344

As a former lottery lock, Allen figures to go anywhere from the late lottery to late first round, making him one of the drafts biggest question marks. For a young team searching for an identity, a player with Allen’s leadership and intensity could be the perfect piece to the puzzle for the Chicago Bulls future.

Allen needs to finish the season strong- a deep March Madness run would certainly help his cause, especially after a second-round upset at the hands of 7th-seed South Carolina last season. The ability on the court has never been a concern. His maturity (or lack thereof,) has been the biggest knock against him.

A good interview or two, plus a strong finish to his college career would likely be enough for the Chicago Bulls to consider taking a chance on Grayson Allen.