After signing a large extension this offseason, Jarrett Allen has been a major bright spot for a young Cleveland Cavaliers team. The Cavaliers are currently sitting at the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 19-12 and they are just 2.5 games from the number one seed. Prior to the year, many predicted the Cavaliers to remain a lottery team for the fourth straight season since the loss of LeBron James. It has only been 31 games still and that is still very possible. However, by the looks of it, this Cavaliers team will be tough to beat. Not only are they young and gritty but they are incredibly talented.
Jarrett Allen is an All-Star
Front Office Emphasizes Allen
The main reason behind this incredible start is the play on both sides of the floor by Allen. Just last year, Cleveland started the year with Kevin Love and Andre Drummond as their frontcourt. Koby Altman, since then, has built a foundation that this team can thrive on. They traded for Allen early in 2021, during the James Harden trade, as a fourth team to join in. At the time, it was an interesting move considering how deep they were at the big man positions. However, this was still the right move. Allen has been on a tear, and the Cavaliers only helped him flourish by buying out Drummond.
His Play
Last year, he played well, but it seems like he is on another level this season. Not only is he averaging close to 17 points per game, but he is doing it with ridiculous efficiency. But the main story is how good he has been defensive. He is the defensive anchor on a Cavaliers team with the 2nd best defensive rating in the league. Although you have to give credit to rookie Evan Mobley as well, Allen is averaging a career-high in steals and he isn’t even averaging two fouls a game.
Allen also has the highest offensive rating on his team despite having a lower usage rate than several of them. Also, with all the injuries going on, it gives Allen an even bigger case, considering he’s been relatively healthy. In terms of Eastern-Conference frontcourt players, Allen is likely only behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan and Jayson Tatum. With still a good amount of spots available, he would be in the mix with frontcourt players such as Jimmy Butler, Julius Randle, Domantas Sabonis, Miles Bridges, and John Collins.
Out of these players, one could definitely argue Allen has performed the best thus far. Also, the team record should help his case as well. Although there is still a while till the all-star lineups will be announced, Allen could definitely see his name called amongst many of the best players in this league.
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