Jarrett Allen was a key member of the Cleveland Cavaliers roster last season. His rim protection and rim-running made him the ideal partner for Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley.
It would appear that Allen’s near double-double production of 13.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. On Sunday, August 17, NBA 2K began releasing their ratings for the top-100 players in the game, with Allen sitting 59th. He has an 84 overall rating, putting him in the same conversation as Desmond Bane, Norman Powell and Rudy Gobert.
Allen is rapidly emerging as one of the best rim-runners in the NBA. He’s proven himself to be a key contributor to Kenny Atkinson’s rotation and should have a big role to play in the team’s push for a championship in the upcoming season.
And, while NBA 2K ratings are far from a reliable indicator of talent or impact, his high ranking will undoubtedly be a welcome discussion point.
Cavaliers Urged to Bring Allen Off the Bench
During a recent episode of his “Terry’s Talkin’” podcast, long-time Cavaliers insider Terry Pluto suggested bringing Allen off the bench in the upcoming season.
“I know because I kind of did some background work on this,” Pluto said. “I’m not saying they’re doing it, but they really believe that he would do it because that’s how Jarrett Allen is wired.”
Allen’s ability to anchor the paint, play above the rim, and set solid screens could make him an ideal bench contributor. He would also thrive against the opposing team’s second units.
Whatever Atkinson chooses to do, his overall goal will be to improve the team’s defense. After all, the offense is already at an elite level. Now, it’s all about finding the right balance.
Allen Was Criticised Following the Playoffs
According to former Cavaliers big man Channing Frye, Jarrett Allen has to show more physicality, especially during the postseason.
“It’s really been bothering me… Jarrett Allen is not a playoff big man,” Frye said during a recent episode of the “Road Trippin’” podcast. “That is my statement. He is not physically dominant. He is not physically aggressive… At some point, as the main dude – the biggest dude on your team – you’ve gotta f*** somebody up once in a while.”
Allen must find a balance between explosive athleticism and adding muscle to his frame. If he’s easily bullied on the low block, his size and leaping ability won’t do much good. At 27 years old, now would be the perfect time to start adding more strength, especially as his athleticism will begin to wane in the next few years anyway.
The Cavaliers are at their best when both Allen and Mobley are sharing the court together. The better the two can work as a defensive duo, the higher the franchise’s ceiling will be as a contender. So, while Frye’s comments may have been a little harsh, they were right on the money.
Nevertheless, Allen will likely work with the Cavaliers on how they envision him improving his game. Whether that includes a strength program will remain to be seen.
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