Los Angeles Lakers get high mark in complete 2017 NBA Draft first round grades

The Nets started the 2017 NBA Draft off strong with their trade for D’Angelo Russell on Tuesday. It cost them the 27th overall pick in the draft, but Russell has a chance to develop into the type of All-Star the Nets desperately need in their backcourt. To acquire Russell, the Nets had to trade longtime center, Brook Lopez.

Brooklyn wasted no time in finding his potential replacement, as they selected Texas center, Jarrett Allen, with the 22nd overall pick.

Allen has the type of mobility that NBA teams crave in their big men in today’s game. He runs the floor well for someone his size, which is also appealing. He is a good rim protector and very good rebounder as well. He relies on his athleticism a lot right now but has the tools to develop into a very good center.

Allen’s offensive game began blossoming the second half of the season at Texas, which is promising. He scored in double-figures in 11 consecutive games before scoring only nine in the season finale against West Virginia. If he can continue developing his perimeter game, the Nets could have a player on their hands.

We saw the Nets develop Lopez’s perimeter game last season after he had been in the NBA for eight seasons. That should provide some hope for Nets fans, as the coaching staff did well with a veteran, imagine what they can do with a youngster that they can mold. Allen is a high upside pick for the Nets and the exact type of player they need to aim for since they don’t own their own pick, which ended up being the No. 1 overall pick.