Replacing AD’s defense down low
Jarrett Allen (21) is a bargain with a lot of upside. He averaged a shade under 11 points and 8 rebounds this season. He is due only $2,376,840 in 2019-20 and would offer the paint defense and rebounding the Pelicans would need in AD’s absence. He also has a team option worth $3,909,902 for 2020-21.
It is easy to project him outperforming that cap hit, and he would be seeking a substantial raise in Zion’s third year. A pairing of Allen and Zion would be the best under-25 front court in the NBA. However, Allen will never stretch any spacing. He has made 11 of 60 three point attempts in two years.
He could take a step or two outside of the paint. Allen boast a 73% free throw percentage, so it’s possible he could extend his range a bit. Williamson and Holiday will give him plenty of easy lobs and dump offs. Developing a post move or baby hook for tense situations would make Allen as dependable a bucket as Julius Randle. The Pelicans would still have Jahlil Okafor as well.
Allen swatted 120 blocks, snatched 43 steals, and provided 110 assists last season. He had 103 turnovers, which averages to 1.3 per game. Anthony Davis averaged 2.0 per game, with 112 in only 56 games. Allen played in 80, proving plenty durable through the playoffs. He is of no risk of hitting a sophomore slump.