When discussing the four core players for the Cleveland Cavaliers at this juncture, one is referring to the likes of Darius Garland, last offseason’s trade acquisition in Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
The two starting backcourt guys in Garland and Mitchell are star-level players for Cleveland, and Mobley has the makings of what could seemingly be a superstar in the near future. Heck, with the two-way play he’s given the Cavaliers, and his evolving offensive game, particularly as this season has worn on, he could become a First-Team All-NBA player down the road.
As for the fourth member of the aforementioned core for Cleveland, Allen’s play seems to be a bit unheralded. With the arrival of Mitchell, and with Mobley emerging offensively, Allen was not going to have quite the same opportunities he had last season, in which an All-Star year for him.
Despite that, he’s been rock solid in his role for this Cavaliers club as a finisher, screener and roller, and defensively, one simply cannot overstate how much he means to the Wine and Gold. Allen has been one of the defensive pillars for this Cavs team, which is No. 1 in defensive rating currently, and his rim protection, rotational feel, timing and active hands all have contributed to him being one of the NBA’s most impactful defenders this season.
So looking at his play on both ends, how has Allen graded out for the Cavs this season?
Allen has again reiterated how he’s one of the Cavs’ best players this season, and his grades on both ends of the floor will end up reflecting such. To that point, we’ll take a closer look at how he did, based on what had to have expected of him in his role, on the offensive end first.