Jarrett Allen: OKC Thunder NBA Draft prospect series

Feb 14, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Jarrett Allen (31) controls the ball against Oklahoma Sooners forward Kristian Doolittle (11) during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas center Jarrett Allen is next up in TI’s NBA Draft Prospect Preview.

Jarrett Allen will likely be selected just outside the lottery portion of the NBA draft. Allen possesses many attributes as current OKC Thunder center Steven Adams. For this reason it’s unlikely he’ll draw much attention from Sam Presti who holds the 21st pick. Nor is it likely Presti will be honing in on a center given the areas OKC need to address this offseason.

Specifics:

Height: 6’11”

Weight: 224lbs

Wingspan: 7’5.25 ”

Position: center

Age: 19 years, 1 month

Statline: 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.5 blocks

College: Texas (freshman)

Home Town: Austin, Texas

Current rankings:

Please note, rankings come from versions as of time of writing. However, not all mock drafts provide second round ranks or updates. Due to this if rankings change after posting it’s likely due to updates and a shift in the rankings.

DraftExpress: 16th

NBA DraftNet: 13th

Scott Howard-Cooper nba.com: 19th

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 15th

CBS Sports: 22nd

Basketball Insiders:17th

Hoops Hype: 22nd

Jeremy Woo SI.com, The Crossover: 22nd

Skills:

In truth, Allen has a ton to improve before he finds himself holding a key role on an NBA Varsity squad. Most of all, scouts are impressed by his steady growth and excited about his potential. Hence, the latter is tied to many of his genetic assets. For example, his wingspan is massive at 7’5″ (plus a quarter) ad his standing reach is 9′.2″. Moreover, his hands may not enter the Kawhi Leonard territory, but they lean toward the larger end which is perfect for a center who’ll provide rim protection.

Consequently, Allen showcased adeptness in the post as a solid pick and roll ability. As a result, his insane standing reach and big hands makes him a perfect target as a lob finisher.

Defensively, because of his genetic assets it offers a club the option to grow him into a solid rim protector. Moreover, he’s demonstrated the potential to defend out to the perimeter with his quick feet as well.

Weaknesses:

For as much as Allen has all the tools to be a great 2-way player it’s his head which is the issue. Specifically, Jarrett Allen tends to be inconsistent, checks out of games and gets easily put off when things aren’t going his way. Given his age and the fact Texas curiously played him at power forward instead of his natural center position this should all be easily addressed.

Otherwise, the key areas to focus on are his limited versatility in offense and his overall lack of defensive fundamentals. Allen’s issues guarding in traffic will be more of an issue at the pro level, but again, these are things which can be tweaked as he gains size on his frame.

Allen has relied far too much on his instincts than through focus and good habits. Once he reaches the NBA, he’ll have to improve on these areas to get time on the floor.

Of all the areas to be concerned about the most noteworthy are his lack of grit and motor. Arguably, this is also due to him playing on a squad who went 11-22.

Honors and awards:

Big XII All-Rookie Team, 2017

Big XII, All-Conference 3rd, 2017

McDonald’s All-American Participant, 2016

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer provided a ceiling comparison for each of his prospects. O’Connor’s list pegs Collins ceiling as Steven Adams and JaVale McGee

The fit:

Given the comparison Kevin O’Connor provides for Allen it speaks to the fact OKC don’t necessarily need to hone in on a player they already have on their roster (Adams).

Rather, the key for Sam Presti with this draft is to find a prospect who can address some of their needs. Hence, a player who provides spacing on the court, perimeter scoring, rebounding, playmaking or can function in the backup point guard role. Obviously, Allen is an intriguing prospect but other than rebounding he fills none of those needs. Furthermore, he’s unlikely to fall within the Thunder’s range, nor is he someone Presti should trade up for.

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