Texas’ Jarrett Allen could pique the interest of the Chicago Bulls’ front-office leading up to the NBA Draft. In his recent article on Comcast Sportsnet Chicago, Bulls beat writer Mark Strotman believes Allen is a prospect the Bulls front-office shouldn’t ignore because the athletic 6-foot-11 workhorse has the potential to become the second version of All-Star center Joakim Noah.
The Next Joakim Noah?
The 19-year old Allen averaged 13.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in his lone season at Texas. He’s not as talented as other big men in his class (Jonathan Isaac of Florida State or Justin Patton of Creighton), but he has that incredible upside that would make him intriguing prospect between now and the June 22 NBA Draft.
Strotman contends the Allen has the skills set similar to Noah during his rookie season.
Noah relied on his incredible motor and soft touch around the basket in his first few seasons in the league before he blossomed into one of the best interior passers and defenders in the latter part of his career. The CSN Chicago NBA analyst is seeing the same learning curve for Allen, who could be ready to take the starting center role once Robin Lopez’s contract is up two seasons from now.
"The first two years I'm going to have to be a defensive guy and bring energy," Allen said of his initial role in the NBA. "My offensive game isn't going to be as polished as it's going to be, so that's the only way I'm going to get on the court."
Unfortunately for the Bulls, Allen is projected to be taken by the Denver Nuggets at no.13.
However, should he slide down to no.16, Strotman advises the Bulls to roll the dice on an athletic, energy-guy like Allen.
Nikola Mirotic’s replacement
In a separate piece, Strotman also discussed the possibility of taking sweet-shooting big man Caleb Swanigan of Purdue at no.38. He really thinks the 6-foot-9 Swanigan has the upside to become a reliable stretch-four in this league, and a potential insurance if Nikola Mirotic bolts out this summer.
In two seasons at Purdue, Swanigan averaged 14.4 points and 10.4 rebounds in 29 minutes per game, while shooting 54 percent from the field and 37 percent from the three-point line.
“With Nikola Mirotic's future in Chicago unknown, the Bulls could be in the market for depth at power forward. He wouldn't be an option for the Bulls at No. 14, but if he slides out of the first round he could be an option at No. 38,” according to Strotman.
