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Kadeem Allen
Potential Role: Defensive Stopper
Why He Fits: One of the best perimeter defenders in the NCAA during his two years under Sean Miller, Allen has all the makings of a stopper at the NBA level. The Hutchison Junior College transfer is tough, physical, long (6'9 wingspan) and more than happy to get under the skin of the opponent's best player, whether it's a one, two, or even a three at times. He has excellent feet, uses his body to contain penetration masterfully, and is as good of an on-ball charge-drawer as college basketball has seen in some time. He's active off the ball and willing to get on the floor for 50/50 balls. Offensively, the 24-year-old Allen is very limited but he's showing progress as a spot shooter, is a powerful athlete downhill in space, and plays within himself, operating as a ball mover in playmaking situations. Allen could fit in a Patrick Beverley style role, playing next to a big guard like James Harden, defending the opponent's best guard, spot shooting, playing off closeouts and moving the ball.
Key Stat: Career 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per 40 minutes
Drawbacks: Allen offers very little in terms of half-court scoring. He lacks confidence in his three ball despite an improved senior season, doesn't have natural point or combo guard savvy/feel, and isn't overly advanced as a shot creator with the ball. Guards in his ilk are few and far between in today's NBA with such an emphasis on scoring and shooting. There are only so many Tony Allen's, and Kadeem is a bit small (and not near the college player Tony was) to completely fill that role.
Kobi Simmons
Potential Role: Microwave Scorer
Why He Fits: Despite an underwhelming freshman season at Arizona, the former Top-25 high school recruit does have some intrigue as an upside play for a team that believes in its D-League team and player development infrastructure. For all of his flaws, Kobi Simmons is an elite athlete in terms of twitch, first step and leaping ability in space. His jab step is devastating and he showed flashes as a microwave scorer, going for 14 plus points ten times in the Wildcats' first 20 games. Although often playing a highly inefficient style, Simmons has a lifetime scoring average of 20.1 points per 40 and can get going in a hurry. He's not polished offensively, but he can glide to the rim off the bounce, finish with floaters, or create space off the dribble to get to his pull up on occasion. Simmons has quite a bit of work to do in terms of his ability to impact winning, but there is some potential value in 6'4.5 change of pace scoring guards who can go get a bucket. Key Stat: 14 points and 4 assists on eight shots in 29 minutes of the second NBA Combine game
Key Stat: 14 points and 4 assists on eight shots in 29 minutes of the second NBA Combine game
Drawbacks: After his strong start to the season, Simmons tailed off drastically, playing a total of 43 minutes in Arizona's final seven games, scoring just 13 total points. His mentality throughout the season really wavered, which was the case at the high school level as well. Simmons plays an inefficient brand of basketball as his overall feel for the game is lacking, and his skill set isn't quite polished enough to be a reliable bucket getter at this level. He's a streaky shooter who doesn't like contact in the paint and has a long ways to go before being able to operate as a lead guard. Simmons is also very underwhelming on the defensive end, where, while very quick laterally, he avoids contact and really struggles versus size at 166 pounds, making him a one-position defender. Simmons is a long way from being able to help an NBA team, and he may need to bottom out first before his talent resurfaces.