When the Brooklyn Nets hired Amar'e Stoudemire as a player development coach, eyes flocked to the team's big men particularly incoming four-year man Jarrett Allen. After all, many have spotted Allen's potential and in a recent interview, the big man shared how Amar'e been on him from the get-go.
As an assistant for player development, Stoudemire is expected to share the valuable lessons he learned in his 14-year NBA career down to Nets' young guns. Veteran center DeAndre Jordan could still learn a thing or two from Stoudemire. But it's Allen who's expected to benefit a ton.
“Amar’e has been great so far,” Allen told The Post. “He’s been giving me tips when we’ve been working out, he’s been giving me little pointers on how to elevate my game. Showing me some post moves, just telling me about his mentality on rebounding, basically those things so far.”
It's understandable to surmise that Stoudemire landed the Nets job because of his connection with Steve Nash. After all, the two took the NBA by storm with their pick-and-roll plays during their stint in Phoenix.
But apart from this, Stoudemire has done a bit of coaching as well during his stint in Israel. His former teammate Deni Avdija, the ninth overall pick by the Washington Wizards, shared what it was like under Stoudemire's wing.
“Me and Amar’e had a very good relationship,” Avdija said last week. “We were first to the gym almost every practice and we were talking a lot about the NBA and I asked a lot of questions: How is it to be an All-Star, to lead the team and what did you have to do.
Many expect the Nets' star duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to wreak havoc all over the NBA. But fans should also keep their eyes peeled at Allen. He may be in for a breakout year.
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