Cleveland Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen’s strengths and weaknesses

Strengths of the new Cavs big in Allen: Rolling/finishing, screening, rim protection and age

For starters, Jarrett Allen has averaged 10.1 points per game, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per outing through his three-plus seasons with Brooklyn. At this point in the 2020-21 NBA season, he has been averaging a career-high of 11.2 points per game on 67.7 percent shooting, with most of his shots coming near the rim, to with 10.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks.

Allen’s game has improved since he first came into the league. The young center comes into Cleveland averaging a double-double in his fourth season in the NBA.

Jarrett Allen, at 6-foot-11, will be another tower of defense in The Land. One word that stands out when discussing the Cleveland Cavaliers comes to mind: Size. The Cavaliers are absolutely loaded in the frontcourt, now whether they make some more trades, we’ll have to see about, and again, at least McGee would appear to be sent out relatively soon. Perhaps Drummond will be eventually as well.

That said, as it stands, Cleveland’s collection of big men consists of Kevin Love, Nance, Drummond, McGee, and now introducing Allen.

In relation to the key strength for Allen on offensive, though, it’s his rolling ability. Allen is such a quality screener, which should be crucial for Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, for example, but as a finisher, Allen should be a heck of a lob threat/diving threat with his ability vertically, and he has great touch as a finisher as well.

Again, though, Allen’s screening capability/timing should help out a variety of Cavs players, both on the ball and off it for catch-and-shoot threats, such as Cedi Osman, Windler (when he’s back in the fold) and others, such as Taurean Prince.

Regarding the defensive end, Allen is one of the best young rim protectors in the NBA, averaging 1.6 blocks per game this season and for his career thus far, Allen has had a block rate of 4.4 percent. It is easy to have seen Cavs general manager Koby Altman’s intentions in this four-team trade. Bringing in Allen adds another solidified defender in the paint for Cleveland.

Defense appears to be one of the driving forces behind this young Cavs squad, and Cleveland stayed true to that by bringing in one of the best rim protectors under 25 to The Land. Allen would should well with talent such as Nance, the league leader in steals this season, and Isaac Okoro, the new rookie in Cleveland who has made himself known for his defense, and multiple key stops during games.

Allen’s defensive prowess at the rim will undoubtedly provide more opportunities for the backcourt of Sexton and Garland as they adapt and find more consistent success. Cleveland’s new center will prove to be a significant addition to the team, and should serve as the team’s long-term defensive anchor.

Now, we’ll look at Allen’s weaknesses.