While it's important to note that mock drafts are not the be-all, end-all and will not influence Amari Allen's decision on whether he stays in the draft or returns to Alabama for his sophomore season, his recent fall on big boards and in mocks coming out of the Combine continues to increase optimism that the Crimson Tide star will be in Tuscaloosa next season.
Allen's biggest red flag was his height, as he measured in three inches shorter at the Combine (6-foot-5) than he was listed at Alabama. That seems to have had a negative impact on his draft stock, with the consensus heading into Chicago that he was an obvious first-round pick in the 20-30 range.
Now, Allen's stock is drifting toward the second round, which should lead to his return to Alabama after he stated at the Combine that he would need a first-round promise to remain in the draft.
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor released his post-Combine mock draft and a consensus big board on Monday, with both seeing Allen at No. 34 overall. On Tuesday, ESPN draft expert Jeremy Woo, who has had Allen as a first-round pick in all of his updates, dropped Allen into round two as well.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo projects Amari Allen as a second round NBA Draft pick
Woo has Allen going No. 32 overall at the top of the second round to the Memphis Grizzlies. There's a major difference between being a first and second round pick in the NBA. First round picks get guaranteed, multi-year contracts, whereas second rounders get zero guarantees and must negotiate their contracts on an individual basis.
Second-round guaranteed contracts, especially early in the second round where Allen is projected, are becoming more commonplace, but it certainly carries a big risk.
If Allen returns to Alabama for his sophomore season, he's projected to be the Crimson Tide's primary ball handler and could be one of the leading candidates for SEC Player of the Year. If Allen can take a Labaron Philon-like sophomore leap, he could see his stock jump up like his former teammates did, particularly in a weaker draft class in the 2027 cycle.
Philon was in a similar spot as Allen a year ago, and he ultimately elected to return to Alabama for a second season. He had a brilliant season, averaging 22 points per game and becoming a 3rd Team All American. Woo projects Philon as the No. 13 pick to the Miami Heat.
Clarity on Allen should be coming soon. The deadline to withdraw and maintain college eligibility is next Wednesday, May 27th, at 11:59 pm ET.
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