NBA ALL-STAR MEDIA DAY

February 19, 2022

Jarrett Allen

Media Day Press Conference

JARRETT ALLEN: I mean, you look at the East, it's like you win three games and now you're all of a sudden a seven seed. It's a crazy race, and it's those big moves that could change a lot.

Q. What were your thoughts in the Nets-Sixers trade involving James Harden and Ben Simmons?

JARRETT ALLEN: I was like, it finally happened. I was a part of the big trade last year, so I kind of knew what the rumblings meant.

Q. How special is Evan Mobley?

JARRETT ALLEN: I mean, you see it on both ends of the court, especially on the defensive end. You look up at the stat sheet and see that he has three blocks and two steals, and it's like, where did this come from. He just has that impact on the game that not many people have.

Q. Do you ever think about cutting your hair?

JARRETT ALLEN: No, you won't see it. This is like my staple. This is who I am. It's going to take a lot to make me cut it.

Q. Are there any particular players you enjoy going up against?

JARRETT ALLEN: I always find it a fun matchup guarding Giannis. He has so many things to his game. He's starting to add his jump shot to the game. Obviously, he's a force going to the paint, so it's an awesome matchup.

Q. What about Nikola Jokic?

JARRETT ALLEN: Truly difficult to cover. If you let your guard down even for a split second, he's going to make a pass to the corner. If you let your guard down for a split second, he's going to somehow do three spin moves on you and have an open lay-up at the rim. He just has so many things to his package that you have to guard.

Q. What about Joel Embiid?

JARRETT ALLEN: I mean, obviously Embiid had the triple-double on me, but Embiid is a brute. Embiid is going to back down; he's going to punish you and he has all the skill, but at the same time Jokic might have a 15-15-15 night. Both matchups are tough.

Q. Who’s your favorite player?

JARRETT ALLEN: I'm from Texas, so I've always had a big liking for Tony Parker. I'm a big Spurs fan, so I'm going to have to choose Tony Parker.

Q. What about Tim Duncan?

JARRETT ALLEN: I always loved Tim Duncan, and just having to watch some of the passes that he makes, him able to take over a game. I've always loved it.

Q. How special is this for you?

JARRETT ALLEN: It's still a lot to take in. I don't think I've fully grasped the moment that I'm in. I'm part of the top 24 players in the NBA at this All-Star Weekend, so I'm just excited, I'm ready to take it all in and just enjoy every moment.