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Brooklyn Nets: 3 takeaways from upsets over Jazz and 76ers

By Collin Helwig

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets high-fives teammate Jarrett Allen #31 during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on January 29, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Brooklyn Nets defeat the Chicago Bulls 122-117. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets high-fives teammate Jarrett Allen #31 during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on January 29, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Brooklyn Nets defeat the Chicago Bulls 122-117. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 07: Dwight Howard #39 of the Philadelphia 76ers fouls Jarrett Allen #31 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center on January 07, 2021 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

3. Jarrett Allen is the Team’s Starting Center

Calls for Jarrett Allen to remain the team’s starting center echoed throughout Brooklyn seemingly from the moment DeAndre Jordan signed with the Nets, and no argument exists to silence them at this point after Allen outplayed both Gobert and Embiid this week. Exhibiting an improved touch around the rim, attacking with more confidence than ever before, and moving exceptionally well as a defender, Allen’s play gave way to endless applause and essentially warranted zero complaints.

But beside his statistical feats, Steve Nash seemed to trust Allen more as a starter as well. With the team shorthanded, Nash relied heavily on the big man, granting him a season-high 31 minutes against the Jazz. During the next game, Nash announced his plans to once more start Allen against the 76ers hours before anyone else. With Nash publicly handing Allen the keys during an incredibly dire situation for the team, it really illustrates his faith regarding former Longhorn.

Playing well and with his coach’s support, expect Allen to start during future games barring any injuries or major setbacks. This certainly bodes well for the Allen himself, the team, and potentially even DeAndre Jordan as well.

Against the 76ers, Jordan showed a bit more pop and aggressiveness especially as a defender, possibly motivated by Allen’s recent surge. Although no rivalry exists between Jordan and Allen, proved often by their friendly teacher/student relationship, the youngster’s growing abilities might inspire Jordan to kick things up a notch himself.

It certainly feels nice for the Nets to finally know which center to send out with the starting unit, and a re-vamped DeAndre Jordan off the bench is just icing on the cake.