2022-23 Cavs Player Grades: Jarrett Allen sets the tone on the inside
By Dan Gilinsky
Examining Allen’s defensive play this season
Allen once again proved to be one of the driving forces behind the Cavaliers’ success on the defensive end this season, after he was in 2021-22. Allen has been a terrific anchor for Cleveland’s elite defense, as his rim protection enables perimeter players to be more aggressive, and his length, anticipation and timing makes him one of the more formidable interior defenders in the NBA.
Only four players have averaged more shot contests per game this season, per NBA.com’s hustle data, and on the year, Allen has had 1.2 blocks per outing. When he’s in games, it’s made driving to the cup much more difficult, and getting lob deliveries in over Allen is no easy task for opponents, either.
Along with his interior defense and shot altering, he has made further strides when it comes to competence in defending perimeter threats in switchout scenarios, too. Allen is not Evan Mobley in that aspect, but he’s far better than most true 5s as a switch player in pick-and-roll, as he’s gotten quicker laterally, and his under control contests make him pretty viable in those sequences.
When you factor in all he provides for the Cavaliers, on multiple fronts, Allen is such a crucial player for Cleveland on the defensive end. And with him in lineups, it’s more suitable for Mobley to play as more of an impact defender off-ball, in the same light, and with Allen as the backline communicator, the defense is usually on the same page.
It’s difficult to quantify all that Allen means to the Cavaliers on defense. But one thing is certain, he’s been exceptional on that end of the floor this season. One would just perhaps like to see the team more consistent as far as defensive rebounding, and in some matchups, Allen did appear to have trouble against the elite of the elite centers at times, as many do.
Allen’s 2022-23 defensive grade: A-
For what he’s done on both ends of the floor, Allen has again solidified himself as one of the Cavaliers’ most important players. He has been one of the league’s best 5s, from a two-way standpoint, once again throughout this season, and he’s been invaluable for Cleveland’s elite defense.
Allen’s offensive polish with his touch on the interior/on post-ups shouldn’t be discounted, either, and it’s been nice to see him follow up his past season in that aspect with another strong campaign. Coupled with that, his improvements as a passer have been a promising development, and moving forward, he should continue to build off that.
Generally speaking, Allen has been great for the Cavaliers this season, and hopefully, he can keep getting healthier, as he seemingly is getting there and more comfortable, regarding his recent eye injury, and help the team make a deep playoff run. The same for his last groin injury, which sidelined Allen in Cleveland’s close loss to the Hawks on Tuesday night.
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