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Ranking all Cavs on chances of being an All-Star next year

By Josh Cornelissen

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 18: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pose for a photo with their medals after winning the 2022 Clorox Rising Stars at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 18, 2022 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 18: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pose for a photo with their medals after winning the 2022 Clorox Rising Stars at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 18, 2022 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images /

Ranking all Cavs on chances of being an All-Star: Jarrett Allen

All-Star Chances: 30%

The Cleveland Cavaliers took a major step forward last season, and that step was predicated primarily on defensive improvement. The team went from bottom-rung to fifth overall, and while Evan Mobley was awesome as a rookie, the biggest contributing factor was Jarrett Allen.

The massive young center gave the Cavs a true rim-protector for the first time in years, as he stepped in a year-and-a-half ago for a collection of raw, aged or overrated options inside. His size and positioning effectively wall off the rim to most challengers, and he is savvy enough to snuff out short roll options trying to lure him away from his post.

Offensively Allen was also dominant, one of the best lob threats in the game as he developed a mind-meld with Garland. He beasted on the offensive glass, and not only feasted on putbacks but displayed a surprisingly deep bag of post moves and finishes.

The problem for Allen is twofold. First, he isn’t a high-usage player. Last year he made the All-Star Game averaging just 16.1 points per game, and this year with a healthy Collin Sexton, a full season of Caris LeVert and an increased role for Mobley, the odds of his scoring decreasing some is high. Allen will still be crucial for the Cavs, but his counting stats might not be there for a team that already has two strong candidates to make the All-Star Game.