Cavs player No. 2 with something to prove: Jarrett Allen
This selection might surprise some because Jarrett Allen had a terrific season in Cleveland. He paired up with Mobley in the frontcourt and played great defense all season. His offensive output also increased a lot this season. So, what does Allen need to prove?
Simply put, can Allen do it again this next season and can he increase his offensive production even more?
Allen really took a step forward this past year. It was as if he had a light bulb go off in his head. Did the Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff challenge Allen to be better early in the year? It certainly looked that way and Allen really never let up the rest of the season.
Last season after he started the season strong, he had a stretch of three games where he didn’t score more than six points in each game and just seemed lost. Whatever was said to Allen at the time worked like magic and we all saw how much energy and effort Allen brought to the court on a regular basis the rest of the way.
He ended up averaging over 16 points a game, which was the highest of his five-year career. He’s found a long-term home here in Cleveland now and will be more motivated to make his team better.