4. Jarrett Allen C – 25 GP, 16.9 MPG, 5.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 49.1% FG
A DRAFT PICK! A REAL LIVE NETS DRAFT PICK! It is almost a miracle to see the Nets actually have a legitimate draft pick of their own, but Jarrett Allen is living proof that the Nets still have some. Being the first Nets first round draft pick in what seems like ages, Allen is expected to produce at a high rate for the Nets.
A high flyer from the University of Texas, Allen has shown why Marks made him a first-round pick in the most recent draft. He has made exciting dunks off pick-and-rolls and has even expanded his game to shooting three-point shots.
But the real reason Marks drafted Allen was because of his length and defensive prowess. Known as a defensive stopper in college, Allen has a nose for the ball and a great ability to block a shot. He is averaging at least one block per game this year in only about 17 minutes a game.
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Where Allen needs to improve is on the offensive end of the ball and in his overall size. Being only 19 years old, Allen will grow naturally into a bigger body in the coming years, but he needs to dedicate himself to the weight room in the meantime.
On offense, Allen has a limited skill-set, but is already showing the willingness to shoot when open. No doubt, under the encouragement of coach Atkinson, Allen shoots mid-range and even three-point jumpers when open, something he didn’t do in college.
The Nets are hoping that Allen can develop into a good all-around player in the coming years as he matures. Until then, I don’t think they’ll mind the highlight dunks and blocks that he will bring the rest of the season.