Brooklyn Nets: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2019-20

3. Jarrett Allen

Not long ago, Jarrett Allen was the literal centerpiece of Brooklyn’s future, after the 6’11” shot-blocker was taken No. 22 in the 2017 NBA Draft — the Nets’ highest pick since taking Mason Plumlee in the same spot in 2013.

Today, it’s looking like Allen will have to fight to keep his starting job from going to three-time All-NBA center DeAndre Jordan, who the Nets signed this summer.

Jordan is a two-time All-Defensive Team pick who led the league in rebounding twice and field-goal percentage five times. He also happens to be good friends with Irving and Durant, the two faces of the franchise.

At the same time, Jordan is 31 years old and isn’t quite the player he used to be.

Allen, 21 years old, blossomed into a disruptive defensive presence last season. He averaged 10.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game while helping the Nets make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

His highlight reel included rejections against an All-NBA foursome of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin and LeBron James.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Allen will be crucial to Brooklyn’s success. The roster has plenty of talented scorers, shooters and playmakers, but they still need to defend. That’s where Allen shines.

If the Nets are going to take their place among the league’s elite, Allen will have to perform up to the task against the league’s most potent offenses.