Cavs Need Jarrett Allen To Step Up ... Again
The Cleveland Cavaliers' recent wave of injuries threatens their position in the Eastern Conference. As it stands on Friday evening, the Cavs are the third seed with the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks right behind them.
The only way the Cavs are going to stay afloat amid all of their injuries is by having key members step up. This is especially the case for Jarrett Allen, who will need to hold down the frontcourt until there's more clarity on Evan Mobley's status.
Jan 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
This isn't the first time Cleveland has heavily relied on JA this season. Mobley's knee injury that sidelined him for two months earlier this year has been well-documented. Allen's phenomenal play during this period has also sparked a lot of conversation.
JA averaged 16.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 63% from the floor without Mobley.
This isn't a conversation about whether or not Allen and the Cavs are better without the 2021 3rd overall pick. Rather, it's analyzing the state of where this current team stands.
The biggest area where Allen needs to take command is on the defensive end. Mobley has a defensive rating of 106.7 when he's been on the floor this season. Cleveland's overall success starts with defense and not having an All-NBA Defensive Team candidate during their final stretch to the playoffs.
Allen knows that being more is something that he needs to do. He spoke about this following Cleveland's win over the Boston Celtics.
"I'm going to have to step up on the defensive end. Not having another big, one of the primary defenders out, it leaves us vulnerable the defensive end. So, I'm going to have to make up for some of the losses."
There are many unknowns regarding the Cavaliers in the short term. Allen has proven he can lead this team to some monumental wins and now they're going to need him to do it again.
