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One thing each member of Cavs’ young core should look to improve

By Amadou Sow

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 15: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball down the court during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 15: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball down the court during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Getty Images) /
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Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers big Jarrett Allen smiles before a game. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Where Allen needs to improve for the Cavs: Consistency

Jarrett Allen was the last piece added to the young core, traded to the Cavaliers by the Brooklyn Nets for an expiring contract and a late-round pick being added into the James Harden trade. With the Cavs, Allen would average a career-high in points per game as he looks to be a formidable lob threat for the foreseeable future.

Allen is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason and every sign points to the Cavs retaining him. Initial reports state Allen could receive up to $20 million annually and one NBA agent reportedly indicated Allen could receive an offer of up to $25 million annually; we’ll have to see, but generally, talks can be had on whether or not he is worth near that range.

There were plenty of times this past season where Allen had looked like a potential $20 million per year player with one group of games starting in late January and ending in early March. This group of games was a 17-game-sample where he averaged 15.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, shooting 66.2 percent from the field.

This version of Allen was during the Cavs’ transition away from Andre Drummond, illustrating that above-the-rim ability and rim protection that is talked about.

There had also been times this past season where Allen had looked out of it, with questions about his effort arising. To end the season, Allen averaged just 9.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, shooting just 47.8 percent from the floor.

All of this was not Allen’s fault however as the team’s top facilitator, Darius Garland, hadn’t played, Allen was returning from a concussion, and the effort levels from the team weren’t at the highest.

The biggest thing for Allen to stay consistent for the length of the season is for him to add strength. This would allow him to hold his own against tougher opponents as well as improve his presence in the paint, and for what it’s worth, that’s something being stressed for Allen to build up this offseason, per Davies’ report.

Albeit that player we saw through that 17-game stretch is one that is worth $20 million and for the Cavs to maximize his potential, they should look to add more playmaking and shooting around Allen, allowing for him to be effective and efficient around the rim.