Not only is this a big season for Nets Center Jarrett Allen, but a crucial month.
Allen could get his first real shot at a title. But he’s also going up against the veteran he was fielded for last season, waiting to see his contract renewal by the deadline, and finding his name in James Harden trade rumors.
Welcome to training camp, young man.
“You definitely see it,” admitted Allen, 22, on Wednesday. “I definitely see everything: I know what is going on, I am aware of it.
“At the end of the day, I just try to put it aside. I know that deciding where to play or what happens at the end of the day are big decisions. At the end of the day, whether I’m happy about what is happening or not, everything is basketball. It’s all basketball and I’m here to play it. ”
If Allen was dissatisfied that he was used for DeAndre Jordan by the then interim Jacque Vaughn last season, he didn’t show it. Instead, he used it as motivation to become a better player.
“I have no grudge against anything. It just happened: it was the best for the team, ”said Allen. “In the bubble, I wanted to show that I wanted to be a starter again and that I was definitely able to play against playoff teams and against any competition.”
After Jordan (COVID-19) and Nic Claxton (injury) were both missing, Allen was the only center to perform in Brooklyn. He flashed more and made himself a target. He improved as a passerby and found marksmen in the corners – something that will benefit him with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Joe Harris.
“It was great to see JA anchor the defense down there and talk as much as he did, watch the game and talk to him throughout the bubble,” said Jordan. “He really took on that role because he knew he’d be pretty much the only big man down there that we had. But he took it like a pro.
“I’m glad he did. He was successful down there and I’m excited to see how this will affect the coming season. ”
Before this season starts, the networks have to call everyone. Last year they gave Caris LeVert (three years, $ 52.5 million) and Taurean Prince (two years, $ 29 million) rookie extensions, despite Prince not even playing a second season for them. How do you feel about everyone?
The young center has already collected 20.0 profit shares, which according to the Basketball Reference are the most players in the 2017 draft class. More than Bam Adebayo, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell and De’Aaron Fox (all of whom have already received maximum renewals this offseason) or John Collins (which Brooklyn reportedly asked about before last season’s close of trading).
The networks only have until December 21 – one day before the start – to agree on a rookie extension. And that’s if they don’t trade him on a Harden mega-deal.
It’s a lot of uncertainty that players know but work through.
“What should I say? No?” Everyone laughed when asked if they knew. “To be honest, we build camaraderie. Everyone comes in with a smile, everyone knows we are ready to work. There are rumors but that doesn’t change how we interact with each other, how the bond we want to build doesn’t stop our ultimate goal at the end of the day.
“At this point everything is in the air. I wasn’t told what was going to happen, I wasn’t told what wasn’t going to happen. What I’ve been told is just to get my job done, improve my game as much as possible, and prepare for the season ahead. “
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