NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 20: The Sweet Sixteen edition

By Chris Stone | Mar 23, 2017

Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) and forward Landen Lucas (33) react during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) dunks the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. The UCLA Bruins won 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Jarrett Allen

C, Texas

Texas freshman Jarrett Allen declared for the 2017 NBA Draft earlier this week, but left open the possibility that he could return to school by not immediately signing with an agent. Allen averaged 16.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per 40 minutes this season. He projects as a pick-and-roll center who can potentially develop a pick-and-pop jump shot and protect the rim.

Allen’s offensive skill set is still developing and a lot of his success may be centered around building a greater willingness to take on contact. For a big who is supposed to excel as a dive man in pick-and-roll, Allen sets some poor screens and is somewhat limited at the rim. There are games this season where he’s flashed tremendous toughness, but he’ll need to be more consistent with it in the NBA. Allen has nice mechanics on his jumper, and although he didn’t show it often this season, seems to have range out to the 3-point line. It’s a skill worth monitoring given the value of shooting among NBA bigs.

Defensively, Allen should be a tremendous rim protector. He has good athleticism and a 7-foot-6 wingspan at his disposal, giving him all of the necessary physical tools. This is another place where a willingness to embrace some of the difficult aspects of the game will serve Allen well as he has the potential to anchor a defensive unit with his shot blocking.