The Charlotte Hornets may have found an important piece of their new look roster in veteran guard Grayson Allen. After joining Charlotte in an offseason trade with the Phoenix Suns, Allen has already made an impressive first impression and appears to be an excellent fit for the franchise.
Allen delivered a standout performance in his Hornets debut against the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 21 points off the bench in a 110-103 victory. He shot 6-of-9 from the field, knocked down five three-pointers and finished with four assists and three rebounds.
The veteran guard also posted a plus 20 rating, highlighting his impact during his 29 minutes on the floor.
Although it is only one game, Allen’s performance provides an encouraging early sign of what he could bring to Charlotte this season.
Allen Provides Valuable Shooting
One of Allen’s biggest strengths is his ability to stretch the floor. Throughout his NBA career, he has established himself as a reliable three point shooter who can punish opposing defenses when given open opportunities.
Allen led the NBA in three point percentage during the 2023-24 season, connecting on 46.1% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
That shooting ability could become especially valuable for a Charlotte team looking to establish a new offensive identity.
With young players such as Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel developing into important pieces, Allen can help create additional space for his teammates to attack the basket. Defenses will have to respect his shooting, potentially opening driving lanes and creating better opportunities for Charlotte’s other scorers.
He also offers secondary playmaking, allowing him to contribute beyond simply knocking down shots.
A Valuable Veteran for Charlotte
Allen’s experience could be just as important as his offensive production.
The Hornets have undergone significant roster changes, including moving on from LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Adding experienced players who understand their roles could help Charlotte establish greater consistency.
Allen does not necessarily need to be the team’s primary scoring option. Instead, he can provide instant offense off the bench, knock down important shots and help stabilize the second unit.
His defensive limitations remain something Charlotte must manage, but his shooting and versatility give head coach Charles Lee another useful option.
Can Allen Help Charlotte Compete?
Charlotte has plenty to prove this season, but Allen’s arrival gives the team another dependable offensive weapon.
If his strong debut is an indication of what is coming, the Hornets could have found exactly what they needed.
Allen looks like an excellent fit in Charlotte, and his combination of shooting, experience and scoring ability could make him one of the team’s most valuable offseason additions.
