Nets count on Allen vs. major foes
Facing Joel Embiid doesn’t sound like much fun. Neither does guarding chiseled Suns rookie DeAndre Ayton, trying to stay with Nuggets multidimensional big man Nikola Jokic or matching up with Timberwolves stud Karl-Anthony Towns.
But that’s how Jarrett Allen described facing those types of players. After holding his own against Embiid in Sunday’s rout of the 76ers, the young Nets center is eager for more challenges, and he will get them on the upcoming four-game road trip that includes games against the Suns, Warriors, Nuggets and Timberwolves.
“That’s what the NBA’s all about, playing against the best people day in and day out,” the second-year big man said Monday following practice before the Nets flew out West. “Just try to measure up to some of the best guys in the NBA at my position.”
In 27 minutes against Embiid, the 6-foot-11 Allen produced his third doubledouble of the young season, notching 15 points and 10 rebounds along with two blocked shots, while helping limit the 76ers star to 16 points. Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said he was pleased with the performance. Now he wants to see more consistency from the 20-year-old, especially on the glass, where his numbers are up so far — 7.7 per game after averaging 5.4 rebounds a year ago.
“I did think [Sunday] night he was assertive and aggressive Jarrett on both boards. We just need that more consistently,” Atkinson said. “It’s a big part of it. We collectively helped on Embiid, but he did a better job. It’s huge for us. It’s huge for our interior defense.”
Allen said the key for him is to bring the same energy every night and not adjust his style of play to the opponent, but make them adjust to him. He did that against the 76ers.
“I just have to stick to my game, stick to my mentality, and that’s what I felt I did [against Embiid],” Allen said.
Now the challenge is to replicate that performance so it’s common. It won’t be easy on this trip. First up is Ayton, the physical No. 1-overall pick in the draft who is averaging 16 points and 10.7 rebounds. Jokic and Towns are also lying in wait.
“I feel for him sometimes, the challenge he gets every night,” Atkinson said. “It’s a heck of a task. It’s night after night. I do think he likes a challenge.”
➤ DeMarre Carroll is making progress, though a return Tuesday night against the Suns seems unlikely. The veteran forward, who has yet to play so far this season after undergoing right ankle surgery, was upgraded to doubtful Monday after practicing.
“He went pretty hard today,” Atkinson said. “I’m not going to give you what that means for the Phoenix game. But I think we were all pretty pleased with what he did today. It was another level of ramp up. So he’s getting close. He’s getting real close.”
➤ Atkinson said rookie Rodions Kurucs will travel on the trip while Dzanan Musa will remain with the team’s G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.