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.
Examining Allen’s offensive play this season
Allen didn’t have nearly the same scoring splits he had the season prior, in what was a breakout, All-Star campaign for him. Having said that, with the increase in aggression offensively from Evan Mobley, and the offseason trade arrival of Donovan Mitchell, it wasn’t a surprise for Allen’s offensive splits to be down a bit.
On the year, Allen has had 14.4 points per contest, and similar efficiency, as evidenced by a field goal percentage of 64.5 percent. Among qualified players, Allen has been tied for sixth in field goal percentage this season, per Basketball Reference.
His rolling, screening and finishing all were significant for Cleveland’s offense, as he’s converted time and time again as a lob threat in pick-and-roll, and Allen’s vertical threat has aided Cleveland’s perimeter threats.
While the usage has been a bit down from Allen this season as compared to 2021-22, he has typically capitalized on his opportunities. Allen’s vertical play as as finisher has led to his share of dunks and putback plays, but his further improvements with his post play have led to him having great touch on push shots, and his passing growth has been a welcomed sign, too.
Allen has been 11th in the league in total offensive rebounds as well, and although it’s not glamorous, his work off-ball to help generate extra possessions has been another subtle way he’s affected winning this season.
One would prefer to have seen some growth from Allen as a catch-and-shoot player from three-point range, and for him to have some on-ball flashes in the mid-range area, in fairness. Despite that, with what he’s often provided inside as a unsung player for the Cavaliers, Allen’s excelled in his role.
Allen’s 2022-23 offensive grade: A-
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.