I, for one, can’t wait to see recent trade acquisition Jarrett Allen make his debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And now that the James Harden-centric four-team deal that involved Allen going to the Cavs, along with his teammate also on the Brooklyn Nets, Taurean Prince, from Cleveland’s perspective, has been made official, we will.
On Wednesday, Allen is set to make his Cavs debut, along with Prince, and against the Nets, which is something noteworthy in itself, really. That’s the case with how the Cavaliers had their originally scheduled Sunday-MLK Day back-to-back at the Washington Wizards postponed due to COVID-19 issues within the Wizards.
When on the subject of Allen, again, though, it’s evident that he looks to be Cleveland’s long-term answer at the starting 5 spot. That’s not a knock on Andre Drummond, who has been on quite a tear recently for the Cavs, who’ve been so banged up/had key pieces injured.
Albeit with Allen set to be a restricted free agent this offseason, it appears to be a foregone conclusion that he’ll be extended a long-term deal/have a potential offer sheet matched.
And with Drummond set to be unrestricted, factoring in recent rumors/reports, one would think he could very well be moved by the March 25 trade deadline. Per a report from Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, Cleveland’s already received calls about Drummond and the expiring JaVale McGee, who is set to be on the books for $4.2 million this season.
Granted, McGee will be much, much simpler to move. And perhaps Cleveland could just have Drummond stay through the deadline and let him sign elsewhere in the offseason. That’s considering the Cavs can’t realistically invest heavily in both Allen and Drummond, who is set to be on the books for $28.8 million this season.
Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer in a recent mailbag set of responses reportedly noted that the Cavs “would love to sign Drummond to something like a four-year, $60 million deal.”
He then hit on how he doubts Drummond, who last signed a max contract with the Detroit Pistons, would agree to that, though, and I am, along with I’d think most Cavs fans, with him in that thought, too.
Pluto also stated in a report that a “top agent” reportedly told him to “look at Clint Capela’s contract for a guide to what Allen can receive.” That was for five years and $90 million, albeit the Cavs wouldn’t be trading Allen soon into the deal.
Anyhow, regardless of what plays out with Drummond, it’s nice to know that Allen has had a great first impression from the Cavs’ side of things.
Allen seems to feel right at home with the Cavs.
In a recent Zoom call with the local media, Allen spoke about how he views this as a really good opportunity to build with seemingly an up-and-coming team in the Cavs, from his viewpoint. Here was more on that from him/his initial reaction to being dealt, via Fedor.
"“I wasn’t mad. I wasn’t sad either. Just kind of disappointed that I couldn’t have my career in Brooklyn,” Allen admitted during an introductory Zoom call Monday afternoon. “At the same time, glad I can come to a place like Cleveland, where we’re all growing.”“It makes me feel wanted. It’s good to be wanted. It’s good that they want to invest in me, invest in my improvement and have me be a part of their organization. I love what the front office is doing, I love how the coaches are teaching us. I can’t wait to play with them.”"
Allen and Prince, due to all the trade components not being officially cleared yet, were not able to play in Cleveland’s game on Friday versus the New York Knicks.
But they were able to cheer on teammates, and get themselves a bit more acclimated with the team dynamic, and Allen spoke about how the vibes he’s been feeling within the Cavaliers, via Fedor, which were some encouraging comments. Him and Prince’s first Cavs practice was reportedly on Monday, for what it’s worth.
"“Felt good. It felt like a place that I can be at,” Allen said of his first experience. “I’m kind of getting ’17-18 and ’18-19 Brooklyn Nets vibes, where we’re not the Lakers or what the Nets were when I got traded, not one of the top 3 teams. We’re all competing for something. We’re all trying to have a common goal, working our hardest in practice, staying late and trying to grow not only as basketball players but as human beings.”"
Fedor highlighted how Allen, who was so active in the community in Brooklyn, will have things he’ll miss about there, which is obviously understandable. And Nets fans seemingly touching on how much they loved Allen recently also leads me to believe the Cavs faithful will be such huge fans of his in no time here.
Circling back, however, it’s awesome that it appears as if Allen feels right at home with the Cavaliers, and seems so excited to help this club continue onward in their progression.
Allen, who has averaged 11.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per contest thus far this season, should fit in especially well alongside pieces such as Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro, Larry Nance Jr., Cedi Osman and I’d imagine others, such as Dylan Windler, looking onward.
That’s when Garland (right shoulder sprain), Sexton (left ankle sprain) and Windler (fractured left hand) are back in the fold health-wise, anyhow, which would seem to be soon.
Allen is just 22 years old, but should be a seamless fit alongside other Cavaliers, with him not needing a high usage on-ball, really, albeit being such an efficient roller/finisher inside, elite screener and being one of the league’s best young rim protectors.
I’m elated to see Allen in there for the Cavs, and I’d think he’ll be a favorite among the fan base soon enough, likely for his efforts both on and the floor.