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NBA: 5 rookies who are starting to figure it out

By Evan Dyal

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 10, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 10, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 21: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates his game winning shot with Jarrett Allen #31 to beat the Detroit Pistons 101-100 at Little Caesars Arena on January 21, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 21: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates his game winning shot with Jarrett Allen #31 to beat the Detroit Pistons 101-100 at Little Caesars Arena on January 21, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Jarrett Allen, Brooklyn Nets 

The Nets are still bad, but man they are fun to watch. One of my new favorite pesky Nets is Jarrett Allen the rookie center from Texas. Allen is now a part of the rotation, and he is delivering for the Nets. In January he is averaging eight points and five rebounds per game in only 17 minutes per game. Allen is also averaging 0.8 blocks per game this season. A high mark for just 17 minutes a night.

Allen is already efficient and has a lot of tools that are exciting. Right now his PER is already above average at 15.69 because he is shooting 55 percent and is also making 73 percent of his free throws.

He doesn’t get the ball much, but when he does, he finishes. That is why his points per shot attempt 120.1, above average, especially for a rookie. On offense, Allen sets screens, cuts and gets putbacks. He ranks about average in each. Part of this is Allen is still weak and needs to fill out his body. Allen finishes at the rim at a slightly below average rate.

That’s the thing Allen isn’t great at one thing yet, but he has shown flashes in so many areas that makes him exciting. Allen has even flashed some three-point range. I know 3-7 from deep isn’t much, but Allen has got a stroke, and he can develop that shot.

Let’s focus on what he does well now. Allen is already a solid rebounder despite his slight frame. He is 2nd on the team in rebounding percentage. Then he is fifth in effective field goal percentage and fourth in true shooting percentage. His role is small, but he fills it well.

On the other end, his block percentage is 2.4 percent, which is well above average. He has significant potential as a rim protector. The rest of the defense can use work as he still struggles to defend in space and post brutes can overwhelm him. Despite that Allen gave the Nets defensive value with his ability to protect the rim.

Allen one day may be a legit rim protector, who can make threes, plus finish at the rim. Keep an eye on this guy.

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