Grayson Allen, the American shooting guard known for his precision from three-point range and intensity on the court, has established himself as a key piece for the Milwaukee Bucks. Born on October 8, 1995, in Jacksonville, Florida, the 30-year-old player has a career marked by highs and lows, from controversial college days to maturity as a professional. With stints at the Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, and now stepping up in clutch moments for the Bucks, Allen proves that evolution and consistency are his greatest weapons.
The Beginning of the Journey: Duke and the Controversies That Marked Him
Grayson Allen’s career gained national attention during his time at Duke University from 2014 to 2018. Coached by the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, he was a key piece in the 2015 NCAA championship as a freshman. However, his aggressive style sparked controversies. On three separate occasions, Allen was suspended for intentionally tripping opponents—incidents that earned him the nickname “Dirty Grayson” in the American media.
Despite the criticism, the player always defended that his intensity was part of his competitive DNA. “I play hard. Sometimes people misinterpret it,” he stated in a 2017 ESPN interview. Far from being shaken, he finished his college career averaging 14.1 points and 41.2% from three-point range, numbers that put him on the NBA radar.
Draft and First Steps in the League
Selected 21st overall in the 2018 Draft by the Utah Jazz, Grayson Allen began his professional career being immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. In his early years, he mostly played as a reserve but already showed potential as a long-range specialist. In the 2019-20 season, he helped the Grizzlies fight for a playoff spot in the Orlando bubble, converting 40.3% of his three-point attempts.
In August 2021, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he had his first season as a regular starter. Alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul, Allen posted his best averages to date: 37.9% from three and 10.5 points per game in the 2022-23 season. His ability to stretch the floor and punish collapsed defenses made him valuable in Monty Williams’ system.
Arrival at the Milwaukee Bucks and a Decisive Role
In September 2023, Grayson Allen was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a multi-team deal. The move placed him alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, forming one of the league’s most feared trios. Since then, the shooting guard has become one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the East, consistently shooting above 39% from three.
In the 2024-25 season, as of November 2025, Allen is averaging 11.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, with an impressive 41.1% from beyond the arc (data updated through November 10, 2025). Over his last ten games, he has converted 45.2% of his three-point attempts, ranking third in the NBA in that span. His presence has been crucial for spacing the floor and creating opportunities for Giannis to attack the paint.
Recent Update: A Magical Night Against the Boston Celtics
On the night of November 9, 2025, Grayson Allen delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career. Against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum, the shooting guard scored 27 points, hitting 9-of-13 from three-point range—his personal NBA record. The performance helped the Bucks win 128-115, snapping a three-game winning streak for their rivals. “He was on fire. When Grayson is like that, nobody can stop him,” praised Damian Lillard after the game.
Head coach Doc Rivers highlighted the player’s confidence: “Grayson worked a lot on his shot over the summer. He doesn’t hesitate anymore. As soon as the ball touches his hands, we know it’s going in.” The game made Allen one of the week’s highlights in the NBA, with mentions on shows like “NBA on TNT” and “First Take.”
Playing Style and Defensive Evolution
While known for his shooting, Grayson Allen has evolved significantly on defense. At 1.93m with a 2.01m wingspan, he can guard multiple positions. In the current season, he averages 1.1 steals per game and is often tasked with containing quick wings like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. His intensity, once criticized, is now seen as a virtue in the Bucks’ locker room.
Additionally, Allen has improved his ball-handling and court vision. He’s no longer just a catch-and-shoot player: he creates his own shots off the dribble and participates in pick-and-rolls with Lillard and Giannis. This versatility makes him indispensable in Doc Rivers’ scheme, especially in the playoffs where spacing is essential.
Life Off the Court and Legacy
Married to Morgan Reid, a former professional soccer player, Grayson Allen keeps a low profile off the court. The couple lives in Milwaukee and often participates in community social actions, including basketball clinics for underprivileged children. In recent interviews, Allen has spoken openly about mental health and the pressure of being a professional athlete—a topic that has gained traction in the NBA in recent years.
At 30 years old, Grayson Allen is at his physical and technical peak. With a contract through 2026 (player option in the final season), he has everything to continue being a key piece for the Bucks in their pursuit of a second title in five years. Overcoming past controversies, “Dirty Grayson” has given way to a respected professional who combines talent, hard work, and tactical intelligence.
Grayson Allen’s Future in the NBA
As the 2025-26 season approaches its first third, Grayson Allen is experiencing his best moment in the league. His name is already popping up in conversations for the Sixth Man of the Year award, even though he starts most games. If he maintains the level shown against the Celtics and keeps helping Milwaukee lead the Eastern Conference (the Bucks are 11-3 as of November 11, 2025), the shooting guard could finally silence his critics for good and cement his place among the league’s top shooters.
Grayson Allen is no longer the controversial kid from Duke. He is a veteran who understands the game, takes responsibility in clutch moments, and, above all, delivers results. And as long as those three-pointers keep falling, the American’s legacy will only grow in the world’s biggest basketball league.
