Brooklyn Nets: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 26 : D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets plays defense against the Chicago Bulls on February 26,2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Drazen Petrovic night. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Jarrett Allen

A behemoth of a center, Jarrett Allen has already proven to be a draft-day steal for the Brooklyn Nets. During his rookie year he continually got better as the season progressed. Despite playing only 20 minutes per game, Allen swatted 88 total shots on the season. What can we expect in his second season?

No. 31 has the tools to be an elite rim protector. In today’s league, however, centers need quick feet to be able to switch onto players. Look for Allen to try and become more than a shot-blocker and hold his own during pick-and-roll defense.

Allen’s per 36 minutes numbers are something Nets fans may want to spend time studying. Offensively, he looks to be a hyper efficient roll man. According to NBA.com, Allen was one of the most frequent players to spend time as a roll man. He posted 1.16 points per possession, a number which was impressive for a rookie and should only grow as he continues his development.

Intriguingly, one of the best indications of how Allen will play next year comes not from last season’s film, but from the 2018 NBA Summer League. Watch as Allen needs only one dribble from within the perimeter to blow by his defender and hammer home a dunk.

If Allen can do this regularly, his ceiling could be higher than what we thought. As the Brooklyn Nets improve as a team, they should be able to take advantage of Allen’s physicals gifts. This may be enough to see him transition from a promising prospect into a force to be reckoned with.

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