2025 Suns Player Review: Grayson Allen felt invisible most nights

Allen’s 2024-25 season with the Suns was one to forget.

Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series, where we take a closer look at each player who suited up during the 2024–25 campaign. One by one, we’ll break down what went right, what went wrong, and what each player can do to take the next step heading into next season.

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What happened to Grayson Allen during the 2024–25 season?

After having a career year in the 2023–24 season, Allen took a noticeable step back. But who is to blame?

Was it coach Mike Budenholzer, who is now fired and gone? Was Allen simply forced into a different role, coming off the bench too often for him to find a rhythm? The change in coaching staff and system likely played a part, as Allen went from being a consistent starter and floor spacer to a more situational player, disrupting his timing and confidence.

Injuries and lineup inconsistencies didn’t help either. With other ball-dominant guards eating into his touches, Allen’s opportunities shrank. His three-point volume dropped a tiny bit, and he struggled to find the same chemistry that he had last year.

Whether it’s a one-year blip or a sign of a regression remains to be seen, but Allen will need a clear role and consistent minutes to bounce back to his prior form.

Grayson Allen

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Vitals: 6’4”, 198lb, 29 Years Old
• Experience: 7 years
• Stats: 64 GP, 10.6 PPG (44.8 FG%, 42.6 3PT%, 81.6FT%), 2.1 APG, 3.0 RPG

Contract Details

Allen agreed to a four-year, $70 million contract extension with the Phoenix Suns, which includes a player option. Finalized on April 16, 2024, the deal is set to keep him in Phoenix through the 2027-28 season.

Regular Season Recap

After transitioning back to the bench following a full-time starting role in the 2023-24 season, Grayson Allen saw his minutes drop by nearly 10 per game, and truthfully, during the minutes he did play, he often felt invisible.

It wasn’t just occasional stretches either. Throughout most of his time on the court, I found myself wondering where he was. His usual catch-and-shoot spots from beyond the arc shifted slightly—just a bit left or right from where he thrived the year before—and nothing seemed to come naturally.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Allen looked noticeably bigger, especially in the arms, which may have helped on-ball defense. But despite the added muscle, he still struggled, and his body language on the defensive end made it tough to watch night after night.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

He technically still shot over 40% from three, but watching the games, you’d never guess it. It felt more like 35%. He never found his rhythm or carved out a defined role in the Suns’ offense. His inconsistency mirrored much of what plagued the rest of the roster.

To be honest, I barely noticed him out there. Just a few minutes here and there, every other game at best.

But, we do remember this shot that sent the Suns to overtime. A game I was at but left early!

Biggest Strength

Allen’s three-point shooting will always be a strength. However, as I mentioned earlier, it was clear from the eye test that something was off. I believe the growing frustration of a long season—combined with coming off the bench—contributed to several shooting slumps and prolonged droughts from the field.

That said, it’s important to recognize that shooting slumps are not uncommon, especially for players adjusting to a reduced role or inconsistent minutes. Confidence plays a huge role in a shooter’s rhythm, and without steady opportunities, it’s easy for even the best marksmen to fall into a rut. Still, Allen’s track record suggests that with the right system and consistent usage, he can bounce back quickly.

Despite the ups and downs, Allen quietly put together his second-best season from beyond the arc, knocking down nearly 43% of his three-point attempts. That kind of efficiency is elite by any standard and speaks to just how naturally gifted he is as a shooter. Even when his overall impact felt muted at times, his ability to space the floor and punish defenders from deep remained a valuable asset.

Looking ahead, Allen’s shooting will continue to make him a coveted piece for any team looking to add spacing and reliability on the perimeter.

Biggest Weakness

Defensively, Allen can be a liability, and outside of his three-point shooting, there isn’t much else in his game that consistently stands out. That said, there were flashes. But honestly, it’s hard to pinpoint his exact weaknesses because the Suns were such a mess last season.

At this point, I chalk it up to a “wait and see” situation. Next season will be a chance to see if he can regain ground defensively and show more consistency in driving and playmaking. Because truthfully, nothing about his overall impact looked quite right last year.

Likelihood of Return: 5

Allen has made it clear he enjoys being in the Valley, but the bigger question is whether the Suns see him as part of their future. His shift back to a bench role after establishing himself as a starter was an adjustment, one he never fully settled into. You have to wonder if he’s now looking for a situation where he can start again. And honestly, he’s earned the right to explore that. If the Suns don’t view him as a long-term fit, working with him on a trade could be the best move for both sides.

Overall Grade: C-

From being one of my favorite players on the Suns to feeling like a forgotten piece this season, Allen’s year was tough. Whether the drop-off was self-inflicted or just a product of circumstance, it’s a season both he and the team will want to leave in the rearview.

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