There are many great players this season on the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the most iconic might be “The Fro,” Cavs center Jarrett Allen.
Selected at 22nd overall by the Brooklyn Nets, Allen wasn’t projected as the All-Star player he is now. Not really known for his scoring, Allen shined in other ways. He mostly excels as a versatile defender, huge shot blocker, and as a lob threat on offense.
We will be taking a look at how his career started, and where it is now with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Come join me as we view a snapshot of Allen.
On the Nets, Allen was seen as a part of the core consisting of him, D’Angelo Russell, and Caris LeVert. For 3-plus years as a Net, Allen put up 10.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He also was very efficient by shooting 61.2 percent on the floor. Allen was reliable for the Nets also in that he was mostly a healthy player. He didn’t struggle with missing large amounts of games at a time, and with the Cavaliers, he has typically been.
Then in 2019, the Brooklyn Nets became the destination for two superstar players, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. D’Angelo Russell was moved to the Golden State Warriors for Durant and Irving signed with the Nets through free agency. Now even with two superstars on the team, Allen and LeVert still shined. Durant was out for the season with a ruptured Achilles and Irving was out at times due to other injuries. Allen averaged similar stats, but he wouldn’t be on the same team the next season.
In January 2021, the Nets decided to make a major blockbuster trade including the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Indiana Pacers. Brooklyn would receive James Harden, but they had to give up Allen and LeVert to make it happen. Allen was sent to the Cavs and LeVert was sent to the Pacers.
Allen’s arrival to the Cavs was interesting due to the Cavs already having a capable center in Andre Drummond on the roster. That problem was solved after Drummond was bought out later in the season. This gave Allen an opportunity to shine.
In the 2021-22 Season, the Cavaliers drafted big man Evan Mobley with the 3rd pick in the draft. With this move, “Frobley” was born.
Allen averaged a career-high 16.1 points, pulled down 10.8 rebounds, and had 1.3 blocks per game. He also was in the 2022 All-Star Game as a replacement for James Harden, the guy the Nets wanted for Allen.
With young point guard Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Allen helped lead the Cavs into the Play-In Tournament. Unfortunately, they lost, but the young Cavaliers showed potential.
As of now, Allen is putting up 12.0 points and 1 block per game, and only five players have averaged more rebounds than his 11.7 per game, per Basketball Reference.
With the arrival of Donovan Mitchell, Allen might not be able to put up the same numbers as last season or be able to compete in the All-Star game this season. We do know this: Allen is crucial to the Cavs.
Additionally, Allen and Mobley are amazing on the defensive end and help make us a great defensive team.
Hopefully in the next few seasons, this outstanding young core of Allen, Mobley, Garland, and Mitchell can get Cleveland a chip.