According to a report, the Atlanta Hawks will workout Texas big man Jarrett Allen on Monday? How does he fit with the team?
The Atlanta Hawks hold the No. 19 pick in the draft and appear to have a big-time target in mind.
According to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Hawks will workout Texas big man Jarrett Allen on Monday. Allen played one season for the Longhorns and was ranked as the No. 15 player in the class of 2016 by ESPN.
While Texas struggled mightily in Allen’s one season, going 11-22, Allen was a standout and the best player on the team. At 6’11”, 235 pounds, Allen averaged 13.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while leading the Big 12 in field-goal percentage at 56.6 percent.
Allen’s potential is outstanding for the style of play in today’s NBA and he could be Mike Budenholzer’s ideal center.
Allen possesses great length (7’5″ wingspan) and shot-blocking ability in the paint. He is also a terrific athlete for his size that could play both the power forward and center spots. Allen ability to run the floor makes him a potentially dangerous weapon, as he is also a good roll man in the pick-and-roll game. The former Longhorn’s field-goal percentage is indicative of his ability to finish inside and he could be a nice compliment for Dennis Schroder.
Also, with Dwight Howard still under contract, Allen would not be forced into heavy minutes right away. That would the team time to tap into the potential that made Allen a five-star recruit coming out of high school and the talent that he displayed at the college level as well.
If his development goes well, Allen could be an excellent two-way force on the inside that Budenholzer could surround with shooters. If that happens, Allen has the chance to be really special.
However, many think that Allen may be gone by pick No. 19. But if new Hawks GM Travis Schlenk has any say, Allen could possibly be obtained by way of a trade up in the first round.
Travis Schlenk says Hawks are exploring all options with draft picks. That includes a possible package to move up from No. 19.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) June 2, 2017
In this deep of a draft, it would be an excellent scenario for Atlanta is someone as talented and promising as Allen fell to them at No. 19. He has all of the physical tools to succeed in the NBA and will not have a huge burden on him when coming to Atlanta right away.
This offseason is as crucial as any summer in recent memory for the Hawks. With the impending free agency of Paul Millsap and Tim Hardaway Jr., along with the addition of Schlenk as GM, the Hawks stand at a crossroads.
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But the potential pick of Allen could be a pick for the present and future. He could come in right away and give the team efficient, high-energy bench minutes while he develops his immense talent. Needless to say, Allen could be a franchise cornerstone in Atlanta for many years if Budenholzer has his way with him. And who doesn’t love his afro?