There are a few underrated stars in the NBA, but over the last few years, perhaps none have been more consistently overlooked than Jarrett Allen.
In his six seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Allen has averaged 14.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and just over one block per game. Last year, Allen averaged 15.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and just under one block per game. His shooting efficiency took a dip from the season before, but the Cavs remained a better product on the floor with Allen on it.
Then the Cavs
traded for James Harden, one of the best pick-and-roll passers ever and a master at maximizing bigs. Regular season lineups with both Allen and Harden on the floor scored 122.7 points per 100 possessions (94th percentile). Prior to Harden, the most-used lineup with Allen was in the 55th percentile in points per 100 possessions. The two most common scapegoats for when things go wrong actually work the best when they are on the floor together.
Allen’s turnaround after the Harden trade cannot be ignored. He scored an additional seven more points per game and was consistently put in better offensive positions after the Cavs acquired the future Hall of Fame guard. That isn’t a coincidence — it is the standard for Harden with traditional bigs like Clint Capela and Ivica Zubac. The ceiling for Allen is unquestionably higher with Harden as the primary point guard. Now, the Cavs will get a full year (barring injury) of Harden as the tip of the spear on offense. Allen’s production on that end should, in theory, be better than ever.
On defense, the Cavs as a unit must be better. Allen didn’t have a bad season on that side of the ball, but his (and Evan Mobley’s) ability to defend at all levels is paramount for a team with small guards and less wing depth than before. Defensive metrics are hard to measure down to the individual player level, but Allen plays a big part in righting the ship on that end. The Cavs’ defense was in the 58th percentile with Allen on the floor, and slightly better in the half-court. There is room for improvement from everyone.
Despite traditionally being the public punching bag when the going gets tough, Allen has been a resolute force with a high floor. His impact transcends the box score, but his 40-point, 17-rebound effort last season doesn’t hurt either. The upcoming season figures to be a good one for the Cavs’ starting center, and they will need it if they want to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.
