Is Jarrett Allen a fit for the Pistons at No. 12?
By Andrew Hejka
The Detroit Pistons could go a number of different ways with the No. 12 pick, assuming they don’t find themselves in the top three. Would Jarrett Allen be a good fit?
The Detroit Pistons have multiple needs this offseason, from deciphering the point guard situation, to finding more consistency and depth on the wings, to figuring out what to do with the stretch four and the backup center positions.
Jarrett Allen is a 6’11” center who played one season at Texas before declaring for the NBA Draft. He averaged 13.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game on nearly 57 percent shooting, while playing on a team without much talent around him.
He played his best basketball against the best competition he faced, averaging 21 points and 15 rebounds in two games against Kansas. However, he also had his struggles with foul trouble, putting up only 6 points and 4 rebounds while fouling out in a loss to Michigan.
Draft Express provides some insight on Allen, who just turned 19 in April.
"At 6’11 with a 7’5 1/2 wingspan, Allen is a major presence on the offensive glass and as a finisher inside the paint, where he can play above the rim from long vantage points thanks to his impressive physical tools. He shows flashes of potential protecting the rim and rebounding outside of his area, and his jump-hook can be developed into a real weapon in time thanks to his high release point and soft touch around the basket."
Allen’s strengths resemble those of current center Andre Drummond, and the last sentence implies that he may even be able to develop a more polished post game than Drummond has shown.
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Although many fans grew frustrated with Drummond this past year due to his large contract and inconsistent play, he is still the obvious starter at center, especially after his 2015-16 All-Star campaign. But, the big question that remains is whether Aron Baynes will accept his player option, and if not, whether Stan Van Gundy is comfortable with Boban Marjanovic as his backup center.
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Draft Express also gives some weaknesses.
"The fact that Allen doesn’t consistently play with a great motor frustrates scouts at times. His awareness is not great at this stage, and he tends to give up deep post position to stronger players."
These are also somewhat similar to Andre Drummond; while defense can be a problem for both of them, some of it could be remedied with more consistent effort.
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Texas has had a slew of successful NBA players, from All-Stars Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge to defensive stalwarts Avery Bradley and P.J. Tucker to young big men Tristan Thompson and Myles Turner. If the Pistons take Allen at 12, hopefully he can find as much success as these players have found.