The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Washington Wizards for the second time in 11 days, 119-84. The Nets received contributions from up and down the roster, with six players finishing in double digits scoring. One of those players in double figures was rookie Jarrett Allen.
The former Texas Longhorn finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds in 18 minutes of action. Allen has been a bright spot for the Nets this season and has become a fan favorite. He is part of the new wave of big men essential to succeed in today’s NBA.
The league no longer relies on dominant low post big men who get the ball fed to them in the post and back defenders down. Today’s game is spread pick and roll, pace and space. If you are a “big man” you either need to be a stretch that can put the ball on the floor and shoot from deep or a big time rim protector on defense and elite rim runner and pick and roll partner on offense. Allen has a high basketball IQ, understands nuances in the pick and roll and really has a toughness and motor for scoring at the rim.
After the game Allen talked about modeling his game after Clint Capela. The Rockets big man is a great rim runner, excels in the pick and roll, rebounds and block shots. You can see elements of Capela’s game with Allen. If he turns into Capella that’d be great development for Brooklyn and would help their chances of making the playoffs. But Allen wants more, he believes Capela is the starting point and he can expand his game as he matures.
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