There is a lot to like about Amari Allen, the Alabama freshman. He has great NBA positional size at about 6'8 and projects to be a wing 2-3 type forward. He is very versatile and does a little bit of everything on the floor. I like his playmaking as a point forward and he actually leads Alabama in rebounding at almost 8 boards a game. Shooting about 38% from 3 is what has really helped him climb draft boards of late and I think he is starting to get a bit of first round buzz even. I would guess he will return another year in school unless he is promised a first round pick by someone but nonetheless I think he is an NBA quality connector and role player.

NBA Comp: Robert Covington

Possible return to College

A 6’8” wing who posted the second-highest max vertical (42.5”) at the combine. Flashed versatility making threes, creating off the bounce, defending multiple positions, rebounding, making reads, and slicing as a cutter. Pros: Rare athleticism, multi-positional defender, high IQ for a freshman. Cons: Only 11.4 PPG in a supporting role; needs to prove he can handle heavier offensive responsibilities. NBA outlook: An ideal two-way wing from day one who can grow into a starter with more usage. Comp: Dorian Finney-Smith with offensive upside.

Amari Allen – Alabama

POSITION: SF HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'8"/200 lbs ARCHETYPE: Long two-way developmental wing

STRENGTHS

Great length and physical tools.

Versatile defender with switchability.

Good slasher who attacks the rim.

Active rebounder on both ends.

Plays with high energy and motor.

Capable transition scorer.

Flashes shot creation upside.

Good defensive instincts.

Can guard multiple positions.

Strong athletic profile.

DEVELOPMENT AREAS

Shooting consistency is still a major swing skill.

Ball-handling under pressure needs improvement.

Offensive creation is still raw.

Needs to refine overall offensive feel.

CEILING – All-Star two-way wing FLOOR – Defensive rotation wing COMP – Jonathan Kuminga

Amari Allen is a weird prospect to grade. The fouls are too damn high for a wing. The build is not impressive- 6'6.5/204 with a 6'8 wingspan. His reach is really bad. Hands are small. The athleticism is good, headlined by a crazy 42.5" vertical. The jumper is mid, so at the NBA level, it can go either way. The only thing I really like about him is that he's good at the rim. But everything else is a prayer so I wouldn't feel super comfortable depending on him in any capacity.

I do see a world where Allen gets a second opportunity from a rebuilding team and plays himself into their rotation and becomes a good bench piece down the road. But he needs work.

Not as good as Yaxel or Stirtz yet but he is still young and has upside.

Ceiling: Bench Floor: G- League