Brooklyn Nets: What should the starting five look like?

Jarrett Allen

The fight for the starting center role should be competitive. There’s no clear indicator as of yet who will get the starting gig from the Nets organization—a little friendly competition never hurt anyone.

DeAndre Jordan may be the more established big man and this addition is very much so up for debate, but the upside showcased by Jarrett Allen should warrant a chance to continue to develop and play alongside the starters.

Jordan hasn’t come off the bench to start a game since he was 21-years-old, Allen just turned 21-years-old and his game is significantly further in the developmental stage than Jordan’s was at his age.

Here’s a comparison:

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/16/2019.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/16/2019.

Allen is still figuring the NBA game out, his overall positioning is improving, and at this point in his career his activity on the defensive end is equivalent to Jordan’s despite not possessing the strength that DeAndre has.

Jordan almost acts as a security blanket if Allen’s development doesn’t pan out, they both have similar games, Jordan can fill the need at center adequately.

Instances like the first round of this year’s playoffs, if Allen is struggling to fend off a barrage of elbows from Joel Embiid, the more physically intimidating Jordan can sub in and anchor the defense.

Jordan has stated his intent to do whatever it takes to help the Nets win games.

Allen started all 80 games last year, as a big man he’s emerging as one of the better young stars in the NBA, let him continue his growth with the starters come opening night.