Pacers Draft Prep: Jarrett Allen could fit well with Myles Turner
By Luke Parrish
There are many options for the Pacers in the upcoming NBA draft. Jarrett Allen of Texas may be in play given his athleticism and potential.
The Texas Longhorns did not have the season many expected last year, but one name stuck out: Jarrett Allen. The Freshman showcased his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His name has been mentioned all over the first round in mock drafts, and Indiana could be an interesting landing spot.
While he does not have the prototypical size for a center, he certainly has the length. Allen stands at just 6-foot-9, but has an outstanding 7-foot-5 wingspan. This remarkable length adds to his potential to protect the paint.
Strengths
Allen did not have the best jump shot in college, but the ability to score is there. He can dominate the low post and occasionally hit the mid-range jumper. During the 2016 season, Allen hit 56 percent of his field goal attempts.
A 7-foot-5 wingspan provides Allen with huge upside. It accounts for his underwhelming height and improves his ability to alter shots and grab boards against other bigs. Last year he averaged 8.5 boards and 1.5 blocks per game. Allen already has a good frame that can fill out, and his size can make guards think twice before attacking the basket.
The potential is there, he just needs some fine-tuning and good coaching. An NBA coaching staff can take his game to the next level.
Weaknesses
Free throws. For a big man who is going to draw contact near the rim, shooting 56 percent from the free-throw line isn’t going to cut it. Allen will likely be down low most of the time with modern NBA big men stepping outside.
Ball control has also been an issue for Allen. He averaged 2.5 turnovers in his lone season at Texas while only tallying 0.8 assists. His turnover-to-assist ratio must improve if he wants to succeed. He is going to be crowded down low and has to find a way to make a play.
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Recent mocks have projected Allen to the Pacers at No. 18 (see CBS) , and he may be a fit. Fellow Longhorn Myles Turner is there and could make his transition easier. Allen and Turner protecting the rim could be fun.