Brooklyn Nets: Who is the third-best player on the Nets’ roster?

Jarrett Allen

First, the youngest of the three options, and by quite a long shot. Jarrett Allen, only in his age-21 season, has steadily improved over the course of his three years in the league. Allen was drafted to Brooklyn with the 22nd pick in the 2017 draft, but if Bill Simmons did a “redraftables,” Allen would likely go top-10.

Allen is the perfect example of an “energy big”. He does not, and can not shoot much outside of three feet away from the net, he rebounds very well for his slender build and is one of the best rim-protectors in the league.

Allen is as steady as they come. Averaging 10.6 points per game, and 9.5 rebounds per game, off a 64.6 percent effective field goal percentage, Allen is one of the most consistent, and efficient players in the league. He’s put up 26 double-doubles this season, and his effective field goal percentage is the fifth highest in the entire NBA.

He does all the dirty work that no one else wants to: fights for rebounds, plays tough defense, and does all that while only attempting 6.5 field goals per game.

Allen has seen a slight minute drop from last year due to the acquisition of Jordan, and even lost his starting spot the last two games played before the season was suspended. To me, there is no question that Allen is the better of the two. He’s younger, more athletic, and even finishes inside at a more efficient rate.

People remain so attracted to names, and that is the one thing which Jordan has over Allen. The three-time All-NBA center used to be one of the most dominant centers in the league, but ever since his lone All-Star season, has seen a gradual decrease in his performance.

With Kenny Atkinson gone, Brooklyn will likely hire a coach to Durant and Irving’s liking, and that could mean saying farewell to Allen. Irving hasn’t been shy about wanting to bring in another star alongside him and Durant, and a player like Allen would likely have to be moved in a potential blockbuster deal.

If Jarrett Allen remains in Brooklyn into 2021, he needs to be the starter, and that is as blunt as I can be about it. Allen is disputably the third-best player on this Nets team and is the best center they can roll out. With two stars who are already ball-dominant and incredible perimeter players, it is important to pair them with a guy like Allen.

Irving and Durant would thrive playing alongside a big like Allen who is proficient as a pick-and-roll screener. Someone with his length and mobility creates such a big disadvantage for defenses when covering him diving to the rim. Allen can catch on the move and is also a fantastic lob-threat.

Allen also gives Kyrie and Durant the ability to leak, while Allen tracks-down defensive rebounds. He can contest shots on a potential blow-by and can hold his own against the majority of opposing big-men in the post.

Allen may be the least skilled of the three options, but has all the tools to complete a trio with Durant and Kyrie. He brings everything they don’t and can make the perfect complement in pick-and-roll sets.