In 2017, the Brooklyn Nets selected a little-known center, Jarrett Allen, with the 22nd-overall pick.
At the time, Allen was nothing more than an unheralded rim-running big from The University of Austin. Projections weren’t particularly lofty. At best, experts hoped he could grow into a DeAndre Jordan-lite.
However, just two years into his career, Allen has exceeded expectations. No one expected this much from the San Diego native.
Typically, the backup center role is the ceiling for big men draftees from the late-first-round … at best. No matter how much the league sways toward pace and space, a promising big man will always be valued more than a talented guard.