BROOKLYN, N.Y. – With the No. 22 pick in the NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets selected center Jarrett Allen Thursday night at Barclays Center. The big man comes from the University of Texas following his freshman year, where he averaged 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
Standing at 6 feet, 10 inches with a 7-foot, 5-inch wingspan, Allen was projected to be picked as high as No. 13 (by nbadraft.net), so the Nets may not have expected him to fall to No. 22. A player that can protect the rim and bring some offense inside, Allen is ready to bring his level of play to Brooklyn.
“Being drafted by Brooklyn, just going to bring a level of intensity,” Allen said. “Try to leave my mark here and just try to bring everything I have.”
Atkinson: "I think rim protectors are huge. And again, big guys that can get out & defend small guys. You need speed at the five now." #Nets
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) June 23, 2017
Allen just interviewed with the Nets Wednesday, so the fast turnaround stood out to him.
“I mean, yeah, it’s interesting to me, but hey, I can’t complain, I’m in the NBA now,” Allen said. “It’s been a dream.”
In that interview, Brooklyn’s team culture was brought up in conversation.
“Yes, they said they wanted high-character individuals, people that are not going to bring toxicity to the team,” Allen said of what Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson discussed with him.
Nets select Jarrett Allen! #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/4S04AuX3kE
— The Brooklyn Game (@TheBKGame) June 23, 2017
The big man admitted he isn’t too familiar with the system in place with the Nets and he did not watch too many of the team’s games last season, but he knows the effort the team gives.
“I mean, honestly I’m not too familiar with the system, how they play, but just like bringing a level of intensity on both sides of the floor,” Allen said.
As for weaknesses, Allen might encounter struggles while moving from a power forward position in college to center with the Nets. Allen knows what step he needs to take to move closer to that goal.
“Well, definitely my strength, I need to bulk up to be able to play center in this league,” Allen said.
Allen is looking forward to bringing his talents to Barclays Center, but he did wish there was one more thing in Brooklyn.
“Yeah, I’m excited about being here,” Allen said. “It’s a busy city, busy life. I mean, personally I could do with a little more trees, but I’m happy to be here.”