NBA: 5 players poised for a breakout season in 2018-19

SAN ANTONIO,TX - APRIL 22 : Rudy Gay #22 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during a timeout against the Golden State Warriors In the second half of Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 22 , 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Jarrett Allen /

Jarrett Allen, Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets quietly have one of the best young cores in the NBA, and center Jarrett Allen is at the center of their youth movement. Granted he didn’t put up astonishing numbers in his rookie season, the Texas product flashed a modern-day skill set.

Finishing relentlessly in the paint, playing tight post defense, and providing a shot-blocking presence, Allen made his presence felt on both ends. Averaging 8.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in 20 minutes a night, he was productively efficient. Allen also shot 77.6 percent from the charity stripe which is impressive for a big man.

In his sophomore season, Allen projects to be head coach Kenny Atkinson’s starting center, which will benefit he and the Nets. Starting just 31 of the 72 games he appeared in last season, Allen was unable to take on the workload deemed necessary to be a consistent starter. But given his blossoming skill set, Allen shouldn’t find difficulty taking his game to the next level.

Allen wasn’t a finalist for the Rookie of the Year Award last season, but he had one of the more underrated debut seasons in the NBA. Year two will feature a more well-versed version of Allen.

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