Brooklyn Nets: 5 goals for Jarrett Allen’s rookie season
By Randy Porga
4. Work on post defense
Jarrett Allen is not nearly the defender he potentially could and should be. He is not as physical and just plain mean as he could be at his size, and gets pushed around often in the paint.
Allen averages just 1.9 blocks per 40 minutes, which is surprising given his previously mentioned size advantages. Focusing on defense should be a top priority for Allen. The Brooklyn Nets are in no rush to be top playoff contenders, although Jeremy Lin recently guaranteed an appearance.
The point is Jarrett Allen is by no means a rim protector, and becoming a starting center in this league means he needs to bring at least that to the table.
In addition, he appears to be a step slow in many cases when needing to switch and help a teammate. There is a lack of quick twitch reaction and a high motor.
It should be pointed out in college and currently on the Nets roster, he is listed also as a forward. This may be a problem considering he would be embarrassed keeping up some of the athletes currently playing the 4-spot.
If the Brooklyn Nets are wise, they should keep him solely at the 5 and work on his post defense for the remainder of summer and leading into training camp.