Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets: Best candidates for each NBA award in 2018-19

By Chris Milholen

SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 25: A general view of atmosphere at the 2018 NBA Awards at Barkar Hangar on June 25, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner Sports)
SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 25: A general view of atmosphere at the 2018 NBA Awards at Barkar Hangar on June 25, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner Sports) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Brooklyn Nets
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 12: Austin Rivers #25 of the LA Clippers passes the ball against Jarrett Allen #31 the Brooklyn Nets during the game at Barclays Center on February 12, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year

The Defensive Player of the Year award is awarded to the best defensive player in the NBA. Over the past couple of seasons, the award has not only been given to centers and bigs. It has been awarded to players such as Kawhi Leonard. The award has a long history of big man winners.

Jarrett Allen is the best-suited Net for the award if he steps up his game. Allen is a good defensive center. There are a couple flaws in his defensive game, but he is one of Brooklyn’s best defenders.

More from Nothin' But Nets

Some flaws in Allen’s game are physical size and help defense. Allen is undersized physically compared to other NBA centers. He would often get bullied down low by other centers, but held his ground and came up with some nice blocks. He averaged 1.2 blocks per game last season.

Help defense needs to improve with Allen. Often, Allen stays under the rim and does not take on drivers until they come his way. If Allen can smartly move up without leaving a gap down low, the difference will be felt.

Now, the Nets will need Allen to become a top rim protector in 2018-19. Opposing teams have targeted the Nets frontcourt. Nets general manager Sean Marks has done a good job building up Brooklyn’s frontcourt this offseason.

He brought in Ed Davis, Jared Dudley, Kenneth Faried, and Treveon Graham, who are all decent frontcourt defenders.

If Allen can step up his defensive game and become one of the most feared centers in the league, he will have a chance of being included in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.