Steve Nash hasn’t decided between DeAndre Jordan, Jarrett Allen as starting big
With DeAndre Jordan unable to join the Nets in the bubble, Jarrett Allen was able to get his starting job back — which he lost once Brooklyn parted ways with Kenny Atkinson in March. But in Brooklyn’s first preseason game, Jordan was once again starting over Allen. Though, much like the situation with Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie, this may not be a nightly occurrence.
“I haven’t made any hard and fast decisions,” Nash said on a Zoom call Tuesday when asked about which big will start for Brooklyn. “I think we have to stay ready and be fluid. Night-to-night it could change.
“But if I’m gonna start DJ it’s because he’s had a long history of being a good defender himself. He also is a threat rolling to the basket, sucking in the defense, and a vertical threat. Both guys are gonna play and both bring similar but slightly different personalities to their profile. I like ’em both, and both will play a role of the team.”
Caris LeVert was asked about Jordan’s sense of humor on Tuesday, yet somehow found himself delving into the veteran big’s leadership qualities — indirectly making a strong case for Jordan as the starting big.
“He’s another one who’s played in a lot of big games, has a lot of experience — [two-time] All-Defensive team,” LeVert said. “He brings a level of intensity on the defensive end, a level of communication and just wherewithal in knowing what to do, where to be. He’s kind of the captain of the defense, so we kind of feed off his energy on that end of the floor.”
