2. Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen should not be thrown into some random Nets trade.
You would think that the arrival of DeAndre Jordan, who signed as a free agent alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving last summer, would stunt the development of Jarrett Allen, right? Well, all the 22-year-old big man did was prove all of those skeptics wrong.
In just 25.7 minutes per game, Allen came just short of averaging a double-double, as he logged 10.6 points and 9.5 rebounds before the season was suspended.
The Texas Longhorn product’s ability to protect the rim — he’s posted 1.4 blocks for his career — and finish in the pick and roll is simply invaluable in today’s NBA. Allen was adored by former head coach Kenny Atkinson, so he’ll have to work to get in the good graces of whomever the Nets hire next, but that shouldn’t be a problem.
The former No. 22 overall pick oozes potential, and could easily enter the elite conversation if he works on staying out of foul trouble and is given legitimate starter’s minutes, meaning Brooklyn should make him untouchable in trade talks.