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NBA Draft Rumor: Rockets interested in moving up for Grayson Allen

By Tevin Williams

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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According to an anonymous source, the Houston Rockets could look to move up and select Duke’s Grayson Allen in tonight’s NBA Draft.

After trading their 2018 first-round pick to the Clippers last summer, the Houston Rockets are left with just the No. 46 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, the Rockets are rumored to be exploring some draft day trades that could allow them to move up.

Kelly Iko of the Rockets Wire reported that the Rockets are interested in moving up to select Grayson Allen, according to an anonymous source. Outside of Clint Capela, Houston’s other young players are draft and stash prospects. Allen could potentially be ready for a bench role in his rookie season and would be a great young addition to this veteran team.

At 6-foot-4, Allen has both the size and the skills to play either guard position. He also nailed 38 percent of his 3-pointers over four seasons at Duke. In his senior season, Allen launched 7.5 3-pointers per game, so he’ll fit right into Mike D’Antoni‘s offensive system.

Many of Allen’s on-court antics last season hurt his reputation. Most mock drafts had Grayson going in the second round, but a lot of teams are starting to come around on Allen. On the WojPod, Adrian Wojnarowski said that NBA teams were impressed with Allen during his interviews and workouts (h/t Steve Wiseman of The News & Observer).

“It’s hard for a player who everyone has seen so much of over four years like Allen to change perceptions or have his pre-draft process impact things. But I do think in spite of all that, he has helped himself here in his interviews and in his workouts and in his pro day. … I think Allen’s in this first round.”

If the Rockets have to include Eric Gordon in a package for a superstar, Allen would be a solid replacement. Sure, he won’t be able to totally replace Gordon’s production in his first year. However, Allen can shoot the ball from distance off of the dribble or off of the catch-and-shoot. With his ability to handle the ball, he could also take some of the pressure off of James Harden and Chris Paul.

Next: 3 lottery players the Rockets should trade up to take

Allen has shown some immaturity on the court, but that’s okay, because no 22-year-old is perfect. Grayson Allen would be a solid fit on the Houston Rockets’ bench next season.