The Minnesota Timberwolves need Grayson Allen

Grayson Allen has grit written all over him, but unfortunately his on-the-court actions have caused room for concern. The Minnesota Timberwolves have the 20th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, and we believe they should use it on this infamous Duke guard.

With the Timberwolves season ending with a disheartening 4-1 series against the Houston Rockets, Wolves fans everywhere have been complaining about the lack of “care” from a lot of the players in game.

We have just the guy that can change the tone of the locker-room.

As a senior that has had diminished statistics throughout his past two seasons, Grayson Allen’s draft stock has depleted for several reasons. Fortunately for the Timberwolves, Allen is just the kind of player they need in their rotation. There have been several NBA Mock Drafts being released around the internet and Grayson Allen hasn’t been reported to have any interest in the first round by any NBA team.

What’s holding these teams back? What’s not to like? Coach Krzyzewski had this to say about the Senior guard.

"VIA, News and Observer“Please don’t confuse hate with envy,” Krzyzewski said. “I’m not sure people hated you as much as they wished you were on their team. In fact, I’m sure, and it’s something that happens with our program. We’re either the most loved or the most hated because a lot of people wish that their team was us. But they are not. We are this university’s team, and you have represented this university’s team in an amazing fashion.”"

Throughout Grayson Allen’s 4 years at Duke, he’s built a following of haters. These haters are nothing new to Duke stars, Coach K seems to produce players who have several chips on their shoulders. Being a 6’5″, 210 lb, 7’0″ wingspan, 22-year-old starter off one of the best college basketball programs in the history of basketball, you’d think that you’d be getting mentioned in NBA Mock Drafts, but not this guy.

Allen has been one of the more athletic guards in recent Duke memory, as well as being one of the best 3-point shooting guards in college basketball, shooting 38 percent from the arc and often being compared to JJ Redick. Although JJ Redick is a fun comp to an exciting player like Allen, we don’t agree with that.

Grayson Allen should be more comped to a player like Josh Richardson. Richardson is a 3 and D player for the Miami Heat and was a Second Round Pick coming out of Tennessee as a 4-year player, all it took for Richardson to grow was confidence from his coaching staff, which Minnesota can hopefully give Allen. Jimmy Butler can also help Allen turn into a player that can contribute from every facet of the game and lead their team with the most underappreciated attribute, leadership.

Next: Game 5 loss, Timberwolves Wrap

There is the case of the Allen’s on the court issues, such as the tripping. The tripping has been the poison of Grayson Allen’s career, and he has rightly been criticized for it throughout his career. Much like Draymond Green, Allen will be a villain coming into the league, and that’s why I think he’s the perfect piece for this Minnesota basketball team. Being a defensive oriented team that desperately needs perimeter shooting, Allen can seemingly fill both of those roles.

If you think you know Grayson Allen, you might not, take a look at this.