Ongoing roster turnover from one season to the next forced Grayson Allen to become a basketball chameleon at Duke. He adapted to changes as they occurred and took on a new role each season.
Those experiences helped Allen get ready for whatever role is required of him as he embarks on his rookie season with the Utah Jazz.
”I’ve never been just a single focal point of an offense since I’ve been in college
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Allen had to adapt his game over four seasons with the Blue Devils as he adjusted to the influx of one-and-done prospects. Nine different teammates were first round NBA draft picks and four others were second-rounders.
The turnover opened the door for Allen to go from being a drive-and-shoot scorer who averaged 21.6 points as a sophomore to a capable defender, playmaker and ball handler as a senior.
His goal is to improve in each of those areas as an NBA rookie, a goal shared by Jazz coaches and management.
Allen was quick to note that his assist rate improved to a career-high 4.6 per game by his senior season. He also offered a spark as an outside shooter who could hit contested 3s
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Utah’s playing style appeals to him because of the trajectory his own game has taken.
”They play basketball the right way,” Allen said. ”I can’t say that enough. I said it right after I got drafted, but watching them play even more games, I see it more and more. They make the right pass. They pass up good shots for great shots. They move the ball. It doesn’t stick in anyone’s hands.”
Allen also likes his odds of climbing the development ladder simply because he gets an opportunity to play with Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell was the runner-up to Ben Simmons for NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.5 points
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Mitchell and Allen were rivals at one time during their college days, but now Allen is embracing Mitchell as a mentor and role model for his own NBA journey.
”One of the big things I’m looking forward to in development is I have Donovan to go up against every day in practice,” Allen said. ”He’s a guy who had an incredible rookie year. If I can just measure up against him each day in practice, and go against him
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Allen will make his NBA debut Monday, the opening day of the Utah Jazz Summer League.
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Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams is putting off retirement to return for a 13th season in Buffalo.
Williams agreed to a one-year contract, the Bills announced Tuesday, a day before the NFL's free agency period opened. Williams' contract had expired and he didn't rule out the possibility of retiring for a second consecutive offseason.
The 34-year-old has established himself as the team's most respected leader both on and off the field. Williams is a one-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection and been a starter since the Bills selected him in the fifth round of the 2006 draft out of LSU.
He showed no signs of slowing last year
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Williams' presence was so highly regarded, coach Sean McDermott would grow emotional in discussing what the player meant to the team.
Williams' contract agreement coincided with free agent defensive tackle Star Lotulelei agreeing to sign a five-year deal with Buffalo.
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