To begin the ‘Get to know’ series of Brooklyn Nets summer leaguers, we’ll start with the newest Net, Jarrett Allen.
Profile
Age: 19
Height/Weight: 6’11” / 225 lbs
Position: Center
Hometown: Austin, Texas
College: University of Texas
Draft: 1st round, 22nd overall to Brooklyn (2017)
Jarrett Allen embodies what Sean Marks is looking for in a player. He’s humble, high-character and goes about his business the right way.
When the season gets underway, Allen knows what will be asked of him. On the court, he needs to defend, block shots and rebound. Off the court, he just needs to be himself.
Nets pick Jarrett Allen met with Sean Marks and his staff yesterday. "They said they want high-character guys who won't bring toxicity."
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 23, 2017
When Nets fans listened to Adam Silver call out Allen’s name on draft night, many were surprised, and for good reason. According to NetsDaily, there were a grand total of zero mock drafts that projected the Nets to draft the Texas product. Not one. Just another example of the front office keeping things totally in house.
During Friday’s press conference, Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson spoke on multiple occasions about their excitement.
"“It’s rare when you get your guy, and that’s what makes me so excited. We got our guy.”Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach“He was a lot higher on our board, he was a guy we targeted. We certainly looked to move up in the draft to get him, and actually we didn’t have to move up.”Sean Marks, GM"
In case you missed it, you can watch the full press conference, here.
There were rumors about the Nets attempting to package their two first-round picks to move up in the draft. Was Allen the reason? It’s very possible. Others thought Donovan Mitchell was a potential Nets target as well. He was selected 13th overall.
Either way, the Nets were ‘thrilled’ to see his name still available when it was their turn to pick.
Allen, who spent one season at the University of Texas, averaged 13 points, 8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game as a freshman. He spent most of his time operating in the paint, shooting 58% from inside the arc, but Atkinson seems to think he can expand his range. The mechanics to develop the shot are present. The only thing missing is the result. However, at 19 years-old, the Nets know they must be patient and develop Allen the right way.
The next question for Allen is, will he start, or come off the bench? Atkinson has the answer, kind of.
"“It’s open competition here. I know one thing, he’s going to feel Timmy when he comes in our gym. I don’t look at age when it comes to the starting lineup. You have to earn it.”"
Next: Jarrett Allen is the rim protector the Nets need
The Nets will need Allen to add some muscle to his rather thin frame before throwing him into the starting line-up. The addition of a mid-range jump shot and a few ‘go to’ moves with his back to the basket will only help his chances. As of now, his value is on the defensive end, but the Nets believe he can mold into a weapon on offense as well.
Nets fans will have their first opportunity to see what he can do on July 7th in Las Vegas. Until now, settle for highlights of his freshman season at Texas.