After acquiring Jarrett Allen through the James Harden trade from the Brooklyn Nets, the Cleveland Cavaliers front office knew they would probably have to shell out some big money for at least one player this offseason. The Cavs lucked out at the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery and wound up with the third overall pick.
While, yes this was a great stroke of luck, it also made the decision about who would end up with the big money this offseason, a lot tougher. As of now, it seems as if the Houston Rockets are most likely to select Jalen Green with the second overall pick, per a report from Zach Harper of The Athletic (subscription required). And while there is speculation Houston could look to try to trade up to #1, it seems far less likely, and apparently, it’s Green/his camp’s preferred destination anyways, per a report from Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated.
This would mean that big man Evan Mobley from USC will likely be selected by the Cavs with the third overall pick. We could argue until the cows come home about if he’s the right pick, but it’s clear the Cavs are likely going to select Mobley. So the decision about who gets the contract they want this summer between Collin Sexton and Jarrett Allen, is a little bit more difficult.
However, I would say the decision is rather easy if you really look at it. Collin Sexton was the Cavs first lottery pick in the post-LeBron James era. He’s been the best offensive player on the team since he has been here. This past year he averaged 24 points per game, while shooting 48 percent from the field, and 37 percent from three. He’s a very good offensive player, but he should not get the contract extension he/his camp seemingly seeks this summer.
Jarrett Allen on the other hand, is a man who might reportedly cost upwards of $100 million, and he’s worth it. He’s already a great rebounder and rim-protector. His offensive game right now is good, but it has the potential to get better. On top of that, being able to pair Evan Mobley with Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt is a dream scenario, especially on defense.
Big men who are natural rim-protectors, and show offensive potential in the early stages of their career, don’t come around often. This Cavalier team does not need an offensive star like Collin Sexton. They do need, conversely, a glass-cleaning, young, rim-protecting, big man to build around.
If there’s a $100 million player on the Cavs, that’s Allen.
As I’ve stated, Sexton is great on the offensive side of the floor. There’s no questioning that. But, the money is better spent going to Allen because Sexton is easier to replace.
In the next couple of years it’s likely that he Cavs will come across a player in the draft, or free agency, that can score at a great level. That said, finding a big man, who has a ready-made offensive game for the NBA that will continue to get better, is much harder to come by.
The best thing is, the Cavaliers have the ability to add another elite rim-protector to the lineup through the upcoming draft. I know, some may say, “well, Evan Mobley can just replace Jarrett Allen.”
That’s not exactly true. In a few years, if the Cavs do draft Mobley, I would hope he is better than Allen currently is right now. Although, Mobley isn’t used to the physicality and pace of the NBA game. Allen has been in the league for four years now, and his game has adapted to the NBA style of play.
On top of that, Mobley could step in and learn from Allen, which should fast-track his progression. Allen is a guy that makes the puzzle much easier to solve. Once you have him in place, it’s much easier to pin-point roles for guys like Isaac Okoro, Darius Garland, and even Larry Nance Jr.
Finally, I can’t stress this enough, these types of players don’t come around often.
The Cavs have the opportunity to have two on the roster. Please don’t pass on that opportunity.